Battery-Mains conversion?

[Plutoniummatt]

Hi all, I'm just wondering if there is any methods to convert a battery powered gadget, like an MP3 player or Laser Pointer into a mains powered instead, because batteries are expensive. maybe a DC adapter and a transformer? any help would be appreciated.

thanks

 

[jimkirk]

Wall warts are available from Radio Shack, Digikey, Newark, et cetera. they come in various voltage and current ratings, choose suitable ratings. Some have kits to match several DC connector plug styles & polarity. Most cost between about $5 and $20. The cheap ones are a simple transformer, full wave bridge and capacitor. The better ones have a regulator.

 

[analogkid2digitalman]

NiMH rechargable batteries? Higher inital cost, much lower long term cost than disposable batteries, IMO.

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"It's the questions that drive us"
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[analogkid2digitalman]

Plus you retain the portability of the device with rechargables.

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"It's the questions that drive us"
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[jimkirk]

Sanyo has a new line of NiMH, "Eneloop". Extremely low self-discharge. 85% of capacity after one year. Very nice.
2000 mA-h in AA size. Not the best, but they don't waste energy just sitting in your device.

Available for less than $4 per cell, and with a rating of 1,000 discharge/charge cycles, a great bargain.

http://www.eneloopusa.com/home.html