Please realize that this is NOT the ultimate solution, which would be a plug in
the Ogo case. This adaptor takes the physical place of the batteries when in
use, and can easily be popped out and batteries replaced.
Items needed:
1 AC to DC converter
120VAC to 3VDC, 300 mA minimum (mine is 650 mA)
These are available at Radio Shack for about $9-$15 (depending on mA)
1 0.5 inch diameter wood dowel
This can be found at your local hobby store, ~$1.30
Cut to a length of 95 mm (This is maximum, slightly less is OK)
2 input wires
preferably insulated stranded wire (not solid)
cut to 12 inches length each, strip the insulation off the ends
2 metal wood screws (~3/32 inch diameter shanks)
1 round head, 1/2 inch long, 1/4 inch diameter head (NEG pole)
1 countersink flat head, 1/2 inch long, 3/16 inch max dia head (POS
pole)
1 Connector
Female plug to go from AC/DC converter male plug to input wires
Get to match the AC/DC converter you have
DO NOT get a closed circuit type as this will short the Ogo terminals
upon disconnect of the AC/DC connector plug
Available at Radio Shack
Electricians tape
Voltmeter (to check polarity and voltage)
Assembly Instructions:
1) Center drill a hole into each end of the dowel, slightly less than the
diameter of the screws.
2) At the midpoint of the dowel (47.5 mm away from either end), drill one hole
through the dowel large enough for both wires to fit through.
3) Cut or carve a lengthwise channel from each end of the dowel to the center
hole (I used a Dremel power tool) to provide a recess for each wire in the
dowel.
4) Screw almost all the way in both screws in the previously drilled ends,
leaving enough room to wrap wire around.
4) Pull both wires through the center hole, place each wire into its own
channel, and wrap the stripped wire end around the screw beneath each screw
head.
5) Tighten the screws. NOTE: the countersink screw head MUST protrude from the
end of the dowel at least 1/16 inches. If it doesn't, it will not contact the
pickup on the OmniGo.
6) wrap electricians tape around the dowel over the wire in the dowel groove to
keep it in place.
7) Twist the remaining wire together except for the ends (helps keep the wire
together).
8) Twist or solder (recommended) leads onto the female connector. Wrap with
electricians tape, separating the bare wire leads to prevent contact.
9) To check polarity and voltage, plug the AC/DC adaptor into the female plug,
plug in the adaptor to 120VAC, and test with the voltmeter across the screws
BEFORE placing in the Ogo. The flathead countersunk screw is the positive end
(mark with a pen on the dowel) and the roundhead screw is the negative end (it
will sit against the spring in the Ogo).
Once you feel confident with the set up, place in the Ogo and work away. My
setup measured 3.21 Volts (ran great). Another adaptor I tested produced 4
volts on the 3 volt switch setting. The Ogo ran fine, but I wouldn't recommend
using the Ogo at this higher voltage.
DISCLAIMER: USE AT YOUR OWN RISK.
Feel Free to email me personally if you have questions
Jeff Hinman
ust941@edcca4.bgl.ca.boeing.com