Re: Ogo Power Supply ,Another way?

Martin Adams (mpadams@pacifier.com)
Mon, 14 Jul 1997 10:24:36 -0700

Has anybody tried leaving the bats in and using alligator clips?
Martin

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> From: Latham@aol.com
> To: jacque@linux2.vdot.net; mpadams@pacifier.com
> Cc: ogo@lifelike.com
> Subject: Ogo Power Supply
> Date: Sunday, July 13, 1997 10:04 PM
>
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