How do I hook up my Siemens Powermax Cells

[Nimbus Energy]

I have these Siemen's Powermax cells. They have three thick lines of tab on the front and large bands on the back. I put my voltmeter on the front tabs and got no readings. I had someone once tell me you use the back on the rings. So, I soldered two together from center to edge of the next (what I think would be series) and still, I got no reading. The meter just keeps zeroing when I take a reading.

The cells have been on the shelf since I bought them for about a year. Could they be in need of greater sunlight to get them going. I have heard when they sit this could happen. The light inside should give me some voltage though right?

Here is a picture of them:

http://i24.ebayimg.com/01/i/000/e9/03/e101_1.JPG

Any particular reason you chose to post this twice? Once is enough. First one was removed after you posted this.

[Nimbus Energy]

I just found that if I go from back to front I get .3v so I guess that is it.I will string a couple from front to back and see what I get.

[Nimbus Energy]

OK, so now that I know where to solder, I need to consider amperage. These cells are rated to 6A at .55V.

I think I will use three tabs across each cell. Does this sound like overkill to anyone?

[ghurd]

The inside light will not give much voltage.

They need to be tested outside.  In good sun.  No part of the cell shaded.

They should reach about 0.57V open.  At least 0.5V.

If they don't, something is wrong.

The 0.3V open sounds like they were tested indoors.  Not good.

G-

[Nimbus Energy]

Yea, I checked them on this gloomy day and they did produce .5v.

This is fun minus the fact that they have the strength of an uncooked noodle.

[Bruce S]

How many of these do you have? at 0.5Vdc and 6A = 3 watts. What would you like to do with these? You could string a bunch up for higher voltage and get a small battery charging going or string them up to recharge some AAs.

These will certainly test your soldering abilities as well as patience :]

Cheers

Bruce S