8v, 500mA ac/dc adaptor replacement with batteries

GBDamo · May 15, 2020

I have a relatively cheep LCD clock in the kids room (Grow Egg Clock) that is supplied with a ac/dc adaptor, 8V 500mA.

As the little moster keeps playing with it I'd like to put it on a shelf but there's no sockets near by.

Was considering one of those 9V battery enclosures with the correct lead, can pick them up from CPC and use rechargeable.

What are the likly outcomes?

1, "It will kill it you moron, what are you thinking" in which case any better ideas?

2, "it'll work but may damage the clock in the long run" in which case I'll take the chance.

3 "the solution is so obvious you fool why are you bothering us" in which case himour me and let me know.

Thanks

telectrix · May 15, 2020

put the thing in a cage. as for the clock ????

GBDamo · May 15, 2020

telectrix said:
put the thing in a cage. as for the clock ????

Apparently that, and breaking fingers which was my proposed solution, are frowned upon these days.

Can't do anything to the little treasures these days

pc1966 · May 15, 2020

Why does a LCD clock need 4W?!

telectrix · May 15, 2020

pc1966 said:
Why does a LCD clock need 4W?!

it doesn't. 500mA is the max. rating of the PSU

pc1966 · May 15, 2020

OK, just looked it up and the thing is illuminated!

Why can't you just extend the ELV leads round, you could get away with twin bell wire sort of stuff.

GBDamo · May 15, 2020

pc1966 said:
OK, just looked it up and the thing is illuminated!

Why can't you just extend the ELV leads round, you could get away with twin bell wire sort of stuff.

Don't, that was my suggestion.

Apparently it would be a strangulation hazard, no more that the little monster playing with the clock was my retort.

She who must be obeyed was not amused.

pc1966 · May 15, 2020

GBDamo said:
Don't, that was my suggestion.

Apparently it would be a strangulation hazard, no more that the little monster playing with the clock was my retort.

She who must be obeyed was not amused.

Even if you put it in some small plastic trunking on the wall?

A set of rechargeable batteries is probably your best bet. Using 6 * AA at around 1.2V/cell is 7.2V and probably close enough, or go for larger like C/D to make it last longer between charges.

I can't see them putting on a 4W supply unless the thing takes at least half of that in power, if so (guess at 200mA, unless you can measure it) the AA size are around 2Ah capacity so you would only get 10 or so hours per charge. So really you would want D size, which bulks it up a bit in size and cost.
[automerge]1589531923[/automerge]
RS have a selection of 6 * D-cell holders which hopefully this URL will show you: