Ogo Power Supply (fwd from:hchoong@cyberway.com.sg)
Latham@aol.com
Mon, 14 Jul 1997 01:04:00 -0400 (EDT)
Anyone interested....
I've gotten a few requests and noticed a couple of postings to the group
about the power supply. Since I don't know if there is a web site with this
info....
Here is the original posting I got from Jeff Hinman ....
I included Jeff's address, but I don't know if its still valid.
I added some notes at the end about my experiences.
Oh yea, Jacqueline, yes, you do have to cut and splice wires. But I'm no
electrician and I managed it.
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>Subj: AC Adaptor
>Date: 96-07-11 13:45:48 EDT
>From: ust941@edcca4.bgl.ca.boeing.com (Jeff Hinman)
>Sender: owner-ogo@lifelike.com
>To: ogo@lifelike.com
For those interested, here is the description of my AC adaptor for my Ogo.
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
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Now for my notes:
1) Backup your Ogo FIRST.
2) I suggest the 850 mA Radio Shack converter. It has better power stability
and if you're using several accessories or printing, you'll need the
power.
3) Precise measurement is necessary!
4) I used a standard automotive trailer light plug set. It was much easier
to
work with when soldering. I tried to solder to a standard converter
female
adapter plug, but I guess I'm all thumbs :-(
I replaced the standard plug on the converter and used the mated plug on
the connector wires to the battery replacer (dowel)
5) DOUBLE or triple check that the polarity is correct.
6) CHECK the voltage just before you plug it in. The switch on the power
supply
can slip during handling and give your Ogo 6 or 9 volts. If you give it
six volts
the sceen will turn all black when you put the dowel in place. Don't
ask me
how I know......Trust me......its no fun 8-()
Good luck and remember to check your work carefully.
Ken
Latham@aol.com