Hey everyone, I wanted to share a fun DIY project I recently completed. One of my Samsung smart buttons started draining its coin cell battery way too quickly—within just three weeks! After troubleshooting and moving it to a different hub without success, I decided it was time for a replacement. However, I couldn’t justify spending another $13 on a new button, especially since it might only get used a couple of times a month. So, I thought, why not give this one a new life in my basement workshop? Here’s what I did: I converted the Samsung button to use two AAA batteries instead of the single coin cell. This modification not only saved me money but also extended the device’s battery life significantly. The process was pretty straightforward, and I thought I’d share the steps in case anyone else is looking to repurpose an old button. Materials Needed: - Samsung Button - 2x AAA Battery Holder - Soldering Iron - Solder - 5/32" Drill Bit - Drill Step-by-Step Guide: 1. Remove the Battery: Start by taking out the battery and re-installing the back cover to protect the PCB. 2. Drill a Hole: Carefully drill a 5/32" hole in the center of the button. Be cautious not to drill too deep and damage the circuit board. 3. Create a Channel: Extend the hole in one direction to create a channel for the wires. This was done by holding the drill perpendicular to the button and letting the bit slowly route out the channel. 4. Remove the Button Back: Once the channel is ready, remove the button back. 5. Feed the Wires: Carefully feed the wires through the hole, ensuring the battery pack is on the outside. 6. Solder Connections: Take the black wire and wrap it around the metal tab in the center, then solder it. Do the same with the red wire on the side tab. 7. Install Batteries: Insert the AAA batteries and test if the button powers on by checking the green LED. 8. Reassemble: Re-install the cover and make any adjustments to the channel depth if needed for a flush fit. 9. Final Touches: Install your newly converted button wherever you need it! This modification has been a huge success. The button now has a much longer battery life, and it’s perfect for my basement workshop where I want a quick way to override motion lighting near my toolbox. I’m really happy with how this project turned out, and I hope it inspires others to think creatively about repurposing old devices. If anyone has questions or suggestions, feel free to reach out! Happy tinkering! 