Braille Lightweight Batteries... info/reviews...

[NonStopTuning]

Is anyone here using any of the BRAILLE batteries?

If so, please post your model, any pics you may have, and your experience so far.

http://www.nonstoptuning.com/images/Braille/B106C.jpg

I would personally recommend the 11.5lb Braille, Item Number B14115 or B14115C (carbon fiber.)
This is an awesome battery with the most PCA and CCA for any battery in this weight class.

Braille batteries come with brass terminals and can be mounted with universal tie downs.
Custom mounting kits and boxes, like the one shown above, are sold separately.

As far as I can tell, these are the two sources that currently offer Braille products...

www.NonStopTuning.com
www.MicroImageOnline.com

Please post your thoughts and comments Braille owners.

:thumbsup:

[CASTREX]

Nice!!

Can anyone please post the weight of the OE battery?

[whooppee777]

uhm oem is heavy, thats all i know.

i plan on getting a braille battery at some point should the fates allow.

[mrbond]

Garm, why don't you have one in your car?

[yarstar]

OEM battery is 32 lbs.

[NonStopTuning]

Garm, why don't you have one in your car?


I believe Garm does have one in his car and he seems to love it from what I can tell. I'm sure he will chime in soon.

An 11lb battery in the place of that 32lb OEM battery would be a very nice upgrade for any Yaris :biggrin:

[staypuft]

can it handle car audio?

[PetersRedYaris]

What does it cost? How many cold cranking amps (CCA)?

[CtrlAltDefeat]

I believe Garm does have one in his car and he seems to love it from what I can tell. I'm sure he will chime in soon.

An 11lb battery in the place of that 32lb OEM battery would be a very nice upgrade for any Yaris :biggrin:

a 21lb savings.... hmm maybe I should lose some weight to help my acceleration! :wink:

[CtrlAltDefeat]

join the new anorexia mod thread! Vomit before acceleration tests for 2-3lb savings!:biggrin:

[tk-421]

join the new anorexia mod thread! Vomit before acceleration tests for 2-3lb savings!:biggrin:
:barf: = :burnrubber:

[NonStopTuning]

What does it cost? How many cold cranking amps (CCA)?

A couple helpful links to answer your questions...

http://www.nonstoptuning.com/BRAILLE/pBrailleBatteries.html

http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13261

Again, I would recommend the 11.5lb to most Yaris owners. Lots of power and a very nice reduction in weight.

:thumbsup::thumbsup:

[NonStopTuning]

can it handle car audio?

If your stock battery can handle your current system, then the 11.5 would be able to as well.

For those who have monster systems, who have problems with the stock battery, I would suggest going to the Braille 15lb or 17lb. If you want to go way overboard, Braille also offers a 21lb that would BLOW AWAY most 30lb OEM batteries, and still provide a weight reduction.

Furthermore... The alternator is the main component responsible for providing power to your accessories while the car is on and moving... so those who have monster systems should look at upgrading their alternator as well.


:thumbsup::thumbsup:

[Klink10]

Garm, why don't you have one in your car?

Garm's last post in regards to the battery indicated he had the Braille model that weighed something like 22 lbs. That particular model is not shown in NST's posted info but I'll bet they can get it.

I am looking at doing this but have not decided to use the stock tray or try and fab one retaining the stock mounting holes. I was going to do a re-locate but don't want to deal with the additional weight in wiring and etc.

[frownonfun]

i was thinking of getting the 9 pound battery as everything i'm running is stock. don't plan on upgrading to anything else electronically, just looking to get a new air intake and exhaust system. anyone think i'd really have problems with the lower CCAs?

[NonStopTuning]

i was thinking of getting the 9 pound battery as everything i'm running is stock. don't plan on upgrading to anything else electronically, just looking to get a new air intake and exhaust system. anyone think i'd really have problems with the lower CCAs?

In a warm weather state like Texas? You could probably get away with it.

But I would suggest the 11lb, B14115. Great battery for daily use, and about 20lbs lighter than the OEM battery. Go for it :thumbsup:

[NonStopTuning]

Here are a few comparison pictures...

We tested an 11lb Braille in a Yaris today.
I will post a few pics here. More to come soon...


OEM Toyota Yaris battery pictured here
http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/36/l_efb178e71a244202a6f57582f30a6b5a.jpg

OEM Toyota Yaris battery vs Braille 11lb battery
http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/47/l_de27e434ca8e418eb101caabb9d9083e.jpg

OEM Toyota Yaris battery vs Braille 11lb battery vs Red Bull can
http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/23/l_5b1802c411fd450590ace49dc5d1f9f5.jpg

Braille 11lb Carbon Fiber in the OEM battery location
http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/35/l_aaaef9c48d1b41b08b0214eff0b6eb57.jpg

More pics to come soon :thumbsup::thumbsup:

[tk-421]

Wow that's small! :cool:
I think you really want some sort of support in place to prevent fading on the CF; I'm guessing the OEM battery tie-down won't fit...
I'm so getting this as soon as I get paid.

[cali yaris]

I have the 21 pound model, and it works great. My stock battery was nearly 35 pounds.

The only downside to the Brailles is they don't have a deep reserve. You won't be able to leave the car in key-on bumping your music for very long with the little ones. As far as it holding a charge and cranking the car to start it, I've had no troubles with it.

[texkid]

They're not that bad. As far as holding it down. There is a kit for it. You just screw through the bottom plate (after measuring and making sure you don't hit any wires) and it's just as secure as the OEM. When I get a chance, I'll post pics of it. Overall, though, the install is straight forward. MUCH easier than installing the pulleys or the bushings. It just requires ingenuity [*sp?]

I don't know if its just a fresh battery or if its just a better quality, but I noticed that my car cranks up faster. Plus, with all the space you GAIN, you can probably add a BIGGER air intake box.

[yarstar]

They're not that bad. As far as holding it down. There is a kit for it. You just screw through the bottom plate (after measuring and making sure you don't hit any wires) and it's just as secure as the OEM. When I get a chance, I'll post pics of it. Overall, though, the install is straight forward. MUCH easier than installing the pulleys or the bushings. It just requires ingenuity [*sp?]

I don't know if its just a fresh battery or if its just a better quality, but I noticed that my car cranks up faster. Plus, with all the space you GAIN, you can probably add a BIGGER air intake box.


Please post pics VERY soon. I'm dying to see one of these installed with the brackets you can get with them. This is definitely going to happen to my car.

[texkid]

Please post pics VERY soon. I'm dying to see one of these installed with the brackets you can get with them. This is definitely going to happen to my car.

Don't worry, you'll get the pics my friend. Its just that my wife has the camera and I am cramming for an exam coming up. Probably Sunday.

[NonStopTuning]

Sunday :biggrin:

[ka0sx]

GOOD GOD THEY ARE EXPENSIVE!

[SEVEN]

Seems like a good idea for a high price .. 148 ....

[NonStopTuning]

A 20lb weight reduction for $150 is NOT expensive.

People pay SEVERAL hundred dollars to drop 10 or 15 lbs from their hood or hatch by going to carbon fiber versions.
Sometimes several thousand dollars to drop 10 or 15 lbs from a set of wheels.

:burnrubber:

[NonStopTuning]

The 11lb Braille, shown with the optional aluminum kit, in the OEM Yaris location...

http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/38/l_fe6592e7a2f9450caa4ee2b2306d2491.jpg

:burnrubber:

[PetersRedYaris]

A 20lb weight reduction for $150 is NOT expensive.

People pay SEVERAL hundred dollars to drop 10 or 15 lbs from their hood or hatch by going to carbon fiber versions.
Sometimes several thousand dollars to drop 10 or 15 lbs from a set of wheels.

:burnrubber:

Plus, should you be in the market for a new battery anyway, it's suddenly half price... :headbang:

How long does a braille batterie typically last?

[phenoyz]

why the BIG difference in price $$$$$ between the - B14115 (non weight)
and the - B14115C (carbon fiber), since both are 4 cylinder,11.5 lbs.?

[tk-421]

why the BIG difference in price between the - B14115 (non weight)
and the - B14115C (carbon fiber), since both are 4 cylinder,11.5 lbs.?
Hmmm... Might going out on a limb here, but...
One's CF and the other one isn't? :laugh:

[phenoyz]

Hmmm... Might going out on a limb here, but...
One's CF and the other one isn't? :laugh:

:laugh::laugh::laugh:

[2006fronty]

The 11lb Braille, shown with the optional aluminum kit, in the OEM Yaris location...

http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/38/l_fe6592e7a2f9450caa4ee2b2306d2491.jpg

:burnrubber:

The aluminum mounting kit looks real nice

[ddongbap]

Such an adorable battery.

[CtrlAltDefeat]

pretty cool but in a serious racing car, would it be possible to run without a batter at all? I.E. hook up a battery to start it, then remove it and run only on the alternator?

[SAKU]

We have the 11 lbs battery on our car, for a daily driver it works well, but if i dont drive the car for more than 3-4 days then i have to disconnect it, but other than that it works well on our car.

http://urbanracer.com/articles/anmviewer.asp?a=2900&z=40

there are some pictures of the engine bay at the bottom

[CtrlAltDefeat]

We have the 11 lbs battery on our car, for a daily driver it works well, but if i dont drive the car for more than 3-4 days then i have to disconnect it, but other than that it works well on our car.

http://urbanracer.com/articles/anmviewer.asp?a=2900&z=40

there are some pictures of the engine bay at the bottom

hahaha I just started a thread about your car here!
http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13690

[frownonfun]

We have the 11 lbs battery on our car, for a daily driver it works well, but if i dont drive the car for more than 3-4 days then i have to disconnect it, but other than that it works well on our car.

http://urbanracer.com/articles/anmviewer.asp?a=2900&z=40

there are some pictures of the engine bay at the bottom


the article reads... "And apparently there were some styling compromises that went along with the design as well, because in stock form the Toyota Yaris will give small children nightmares for a week from its less-than-beautiful looks alone."

styling compromises? nightmares for small children? how can they say such hurtful things? :brokenheart:

but anyway back on topic i just got my 11lb braille battery today and wow it is mad tiny. so cute. going to try and fabricate some kind of bracket at work tomorrow and i guess if that doesn't work out i'll be ordering that aluminum mounting kit.

cheers!

[auxmike]

Can this thing handle cold Northeast winters?
Is this suitable for daily driver applications?

[texkid]

Can this thing handle cold Northeast winters?
Is this suitable for daily driver applications?

It is actually preferred for daily driving. You can't leave it in the car for longer than 10 days without driving it or it'll loose its charge. You also can't leave the key in the "ACC" position for long period of time, you pretty much gotta leave it off or idle the engine.

[CtrlAltDefeat]

the article reads... "And apparently there were some styling compromises that went along with the design as well, because in stock form the Toyota Yaris will give small children nightmares for a week from its less-than-beautiful looks alone."

styling compromises? nightmares for small children? how can they say such hurtful things? :brokenheart:

but anyway back on topic i just got my 11lb braille battery today and wow it is mad tiny. so cute. going to try and fabricate some kind of bracket at work tomorrow and i guess if that doesn't work out i'll be ordering that aluminum mounting kit.

cheers!

Yea I was upset about that too...I love how it looks stock or not... :wub:

[frownonfun]

ok got my battery mounted... wasn't too hard i guess. luckily i didn't have much to do at work anyway. i couldn't get the hook up cables to reach so i had cut out a rubber pad to sit underneath the battery. figured that might help keep it from sliding around anyhow. cut a few inches out of the stock metal piece that went over the original battery then welded it back to fit the braille battery. (i used the stock piece because i wanted to continue to use that clip for my hood prop but it didn't really work out...) then drilled a new hole for the j hook which i had to bend into more of an L at the bottom to get it to fit but oh well. slid on a 1/4 inch nipple so i'd have enough threading left on the j hook and there you go... a mounted braille battery. and it didn't cost me $80. yeah i realize people gotta make a profit but thats just too much for a mount kit imo.

http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/4913/img3143kx9.jpg

http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/879/img3145ft9.jpg

http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/4412/img3146mv9.jpg

http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/9458/img3151mq1.jpg

[Klink10]

Nice....did it yourself and saved some bucks in the process. Thanks for the tips and pics.

[Vinsanity]

That is a small battery. how long does it last?

[auxmike]

Good job on the mount. Does'nt look like a hatchet job.
:respekt: to you!

[NonStopTuning]

Glad you received your battery and got it installed frownonfun!
Your install job looks great for a budget install :thumbsup::thumbsup:

Keep up the good work :smile:

[NonStopTuning]

That is a small battery. how long does it last?

The proper battery, used in the proper application, should last as long as a typical OEM battery.

We recommend the 11lb for most Yaris owners :thumbsup:

[Vinsanity]

The proper battery, used in the proper application, should last as long as a typical OEM battery.

We recommend the 11lb for most Yaris owners :thumbsup:


thanks for the info

[NonStopTuning]

thanks for the info

Thank you! Please pass it along to others who may have the same question in the future :thumbsup::thumbsup:

[frownonfun]

Good job on the mount. Does'nt look like a hatchet job.
:respekt: to you!


Glad you received your battery and got it installed frownonfun!
Your install job looks great for a budget install :thumbsup::thumbsup:

Keep up the good work :smile:

Thanks. Upon closer inspection it isn't quite as aesthetically pleasing but it'll due.

Also feel i should mention the car cranks right up with no problems or hesitation. And if the battery lasts about as long as the OEM and you've got the money then i'd totally recommend it. it is SO light.

wish me luck on my underdrive pulley install. i expect there'll be no grinding or welding involved.

[talnlnky]

being a stereo guy i'm always interested in batteries... When I get around to finally doing my install (hopefully this spring/summer) It'd be nice to get a different battery. Even though I only plan onhaving around 500w worth in amps I'm not sure if I would pick one of these over a different brand....

The B2xxx line (non-carbon fiber) line doesn't look too bad for the price. Not as good on weight, but better CA's and cheaper. It'd be nice to be able to get a battery that could do 800CCA's with a lil reserve time, that didn't weigh 35+ lbs. We'll see... I'll keep my eye on this company.

One thing I really liked on my Optima blue top that I don't see on their bats was Dual binding posts. I had one set for the cars guts.. and another for after market electronics.

[phenoyz]

http://www.nonstoptuning.com/images/Braille/B106C.jpg

if i buy the regular 11 lbs. battery, does it come w/its own "MOUNT"?

or is it preferred that u buy either: (for a more secure mounting)

Braille Battery Mount Kit (Aluminum) or
Braille Battery Mount Kit (Universal)

[tk-421]

if i buy the regular 11 lbs. battery, does it come w/its own "MOUNT"?

or is it preferred that u buy either: (for a more secure mounting)

Braille Battery Mount Kit (Aluminum) or
Braille Battery Mount Kit (Universal)

You have to purchase one of those mounts here (http://www.nonstoptuning.com/BRAILLE/pBrailleBatteries.html), and do what texkid did here (http://yarisworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13719).

[NonStopTuning]

http://www.nonstoptuning.com/images/Braille/B106C.jpg

if i buy the regular 11 lbs. battery, does it come w/its own "MOUNT"?

or is it preferred that u buy either: (for a more secure mounting)

Braille Battery Mount Kit (Aluminum) or
Braille Battery Mount Kit (Universal)

These batteries do not include mounting kits, but several options are available...

1. You can come up with your own clever way of mounting the battery in the factory location. Others have done so.

2. You can use on of the J-Hook kits that we offer on our website...

http://www.nonstoptuning.com/images/Braille/BRAILLEjhook.jpg

3. You can use the aluminum mounting kit that we offer on our website...

http://www.nonstoptuning.com/images/Braille/BRAILLEmount.jpg


Please feel free to call us should you need more info.

:thumbsup::thumbsup:

[NonStopTuning]

Any new user reviews or feedback from Braille battery owners would be much appreciated!

:thumbsup:

[NonStopTuning]

Anyone else?!

[AznGouki]

Those batteries look amazing. I'm very interested in the 9lb battery. I only intend to use it for the spring, summer, early fall months so I wonder if that would be doable. I'd like to know roughly how long it can sit for before it dies and if I can still start the yaris at -10C/14F. I really want the weight advantage and still keep the factory battery for the cold Canadian winters. I don't have any audio upgrades and my car is the base base model hatch if that helps.

Also the J hook kit looks really nice too.

[frownonfun]

Those batteries look amazing. I'm very interested in the 9lb battery. I only intend to use it for the spring, summer, early fall months so I wonder if that would be doable. I'd like to know roughly how long it can sit for before it dies and if I can still start the yaris at -10C/14F. I really want the weight advantage and still keep the factory battery for the cold Canadian winters. I don't have any audio upgrades and my car is the base base model hatch if that helps.

Also the J hook kit looks really nice too.

idk bout the 9lb but the 11lb can only sit there for a few days. i was originally going to get the 9lb also because i dont have audio upgrades or anything and it rarely gets cold here but i just figured 2 and half more pounds of weight was worth the little extra security. i think the nine pound would be a little sketchy.

[cali yaris]

I'm using the 15 pound to make room for turbo piping. I like the balance between size and weight and strength with that one.

[AznGouki]

PK198105 seriously...3 bumps on this??? A mod needs to ban or suspend this guy.

[PETERPOOP]

lol. that would be harsh, but i dont understand all the bumps?

[NonStopTuning]

Those batteries look amazing. I'm very interested in the 9lb battery. I only intend to use it for the spring, summer, early fall months so I wonder if that would be doable. I'd like to know roughly how long it can sit for before it dies and if I can still start the yaris at -10C/14F. I really want the weight advantage and still keep the factory battery for the cold Canadian winters. I don't have any audio upgrades and my car is the base base model hatch if that helps.

Also the J hook kit looks really nice too.

Thank you for the interest in our site and products, I appreciate it.

The 9lb is a great little battery, and it would work for you if you don't plan on any audio/video upgrades. This battery can sit for almost a couple weeks without a start. As long as you drive your car at least a few days a week you would be fine.

The 11lb is the one I would normally recommend for most Yaris owners. This battery has a little more juice and can sit for almost a month without a start. It also does a bit better in cold weather.

Either way, both are GREAT batteries and our customers seem to love them thus far. And of course, we use one in our AE86 drift car.

:burnrubber:

[AznGouki]

Thanks for the reply NST. I drive my car everyday but on the odd days off from work, I may not drive it for 1-2 days. I just wanted to make sure that the battery wasn't going to flat out and die on me as I wake up from a 7 hr sleep haha. How much would shipping be to canada and is there a deal if I buy 2? Also what are the instructions for using the j hook kit.

[scape]

not much cheaper, and probably not even suitable for the job...but:
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_13508_Power+Acoustik+CAPCELL-400.html
one of those in the trunk instead of a batt in the front...

[Te019]

Hey this is my first post, but I have to chime in about these batteries. I ordered mine a few days ago, and it arrived (15lb carbon fiber one) today. It came with a certificate - kind of like a born on date... anyway mine was April 9th.

I installed it in my car, and my scangauge indicated that voltage was less than 13volts. It would stay around 12, then dip into the 11s and 10s even. I tried running my radar detector (as the only electrical accessory), and it would not run... it kept shutting down and basically was struggling to work. Not good.

So... I decided to put back in the stock battery and return the Braille battery tomorrow (unfortunately). I put the stock battery back in which I only had out for maybe 4 hours, and now it is indicating a low charge (12-13volts, when it normally boots right up to 14volts). So what's the deal with the battery issues? Is my stock battery dead? Was I supposed to "break in" this Braille battery so it could build up a charge to 13.8 (supposedly what it says it's supposed to output) volts?

[gwasabi]

If we have minor Audio mods, will the 11lb battery be sufficient? I'm talking about 2 amps one for speakers and one for sub. I got a aftermarket headunit too.

[NonStopTuning]

Yes, should work just fine. Or you can go with the 15lb and have no worries what-so-ever and still shave off some SERIOUS weight, compared to your OEM battery.

[NonStopTuning]

Hey this is my first post, but I have to chime in about these batteries. I ordered mine a few days ago, and it arrived (15lb carbon fiber one) today. It came with a certificate - kind of like a born on date... anyway mine was April 9th.

I installed it in my car, and my scangauge indicated that voltage was less than 13volts. It would stay around 12, then dip into the 11s and 10s even. I tried running my radar detector (as the only electrical accessory), and it would not run... it kept shutting down and basically was struggling to work. Not good.

So... I decided to put back in the stock battery and return the Braille battery tomorrow (unfortunately). I put the stock battery back in which I only had out for maybe 4 hours, and now it is indicating a low charge (12-13volts, when it normally boots right up to 14volts). So what's the deal with the battery issues? Is my stock battery dead? Was I supposed to "break in" this Braille battery so it could build up a charge to 13.8 (supposedly what it says it's supposed to output) volts?

Shame on you for not ordering it from NST :frown:

It sounds like your problem is elsewhere. Maybe a loose connection? Something moved without you noticing? A wire being pinched? etc? The fact that your OEM battery is also showing low output leads me to believe that your problem is NOT with the Braille, and with something else.

I have yet to hear, or see, any problems with the Braille battery when installed correctly. We have done about a dozen of these installations in Scion, Toyota, Honda, and Nissan cars in our garage at NST. Every battery thus far has fired right up, has worked very well, and has provided very good results.

I would check all your connections before making your final decision.

Good luck, and please consider NST for your future purchases :biggrin:

[eric81]

I changed out my stock battery with an aftermarket one that has somewhere around 630 cold cranking amps. It is the highest I am allowed to put in my car. Haven't had any issues with it yet. My stock one actually died on me after sitting for only 4 days. I charged it, and it went dead again less than 72 hours later. Then it started to die within 48 hours, and that is when I replaced it. My car sits for several days on a regular basis with NO effects on it at all. Stock batteries suck.

[Te019]

Shame on you for not ordering it from NST :frown:

It sounds like your problem is elsewhere. Maybe a loose connection?

Yep, it was a loose ground. I had it "tight" but didn't "tighten the hell out of it"... once I did that, it worked. Now the Braille is cranking out 14 volts, 13.7-13.8 with all accessories on.

(The batteries were on sale, otherwise I'd rather have ordered from you guys).

Now if you guys could find carry some ceramic wheel bearings... :biggrin:

[NonStopTuning]

Yep, it was a loose ground. I had it "tight" but didn't "tighten the hell out of it"... once I did that, it worked. Now the Braille is cranking out 14 volts, 13.7-13.8 with all accessories on.

(The batteries were on sale, otherwise I'd rather have ordered from you guys).

Now if you guys could find carry some ceramic wheel bearings... :biggrin:

Glad to hear that you're good to go :thumbsup:

[YotaYaris]

http://www.odysseybatteries.com/batteries.htm

I had one of these in my EG and it was great, just another option.
Customer service was good also.

[YotaYaris]

I think is the one I used on my car. If you call them they will let you know exactly what will work for you. I used there battery for 2 years with no problems at all. Ended up selling the car though.

http://www.odysseybatteries.com/battery/pc680mjt.htm

[NonStopTuning]

Lovely. Anyone else have any user reviews or info to share on the Braille Battery?

[NonStopTuning]

http://www.nonstoptuning.com/images/Braille/B106C.jpg


Place an order for any Braille products on our website July 14 through July 21 and receive a rebate of 10% within 24hrs of your purchase.

That means order $150 worth of Braille product, receive a $15.00 rebate. Order $250 worth of Braille product, receive a $25.00 rebate. You get the idea!

Each rebate will be issued within 24hrs of your purchase and will be sent to the credit card, debit card, or paypal account from which the payment is received.

Orders can be placed on our website at the following page...
http://www.nonstoptuning.com/BRAILLE/pBrailleBatteries.html

Orders can also be placed by phone at 281-917-0221 during normal business hours.

Shipping is handled through USPS Priority Mail with Delivery Confirmation and the exact amount for each order is calculated by our online shopping cart at the time of each order.

Thanks everyone, good luck and have fun with all your projects!


*this offer can not be combined with any other offer/discount code/coupon.