ORIGINAL: strongman
The cells were AA size. I used 8 of them connected in a series hence the 9.6v battery pack.
There's your problem, AA cells cannot be used for anywhere near the amperage you are asking of them, you need high discharge capable, low internal resistance Nimh cells and the AA size is anything but that, those cells are only suitable for powering electronics where long duration at low current is the goal.
Pete