Buying the right power pack 1

[PeterAL]

I am going to be buying a Roland CD-2e recorder and using it in locations where I cannot plug it in.

The tech specs of this unit tells me that it has a current draw of 540 mA, and when using batteries it takes 6 X LR6 (AA) type alkaline batteries - so 9 volts DC, right?

The specs also say I cannot use the AA batteries for CD writing and reading, that the unit must use the AC Adapter.

Therefore I need a portable power pack sized to run this unit, full time, for about 12 hours per day, and then be able to plug it in over night and recharge it so it can do it again the next day, for 4 -5 days in a row.

Many of the power packs I see on the market have auto battery boosters cables, a light, a radio and other accessories, that I do not need, but I suspect I'll have to take. All I really need is the power pack that can be recharged and, I guess, the inverter to run the AC adapter.

Can you folks help me choose the right size of power pack and if you have any suggestions for a specific brand and model, I'd be glad to hear it.

I'd also consider assembling the parts myself into a suitable case, making my own power pack, but I suspect buying the ready made unit will be a lot simpler.

Thanks

 

[PeterAL]

Ok, job done!

Thanks to you folks, I have a neat little portable power supply for my device. This will give me more flexibility in my work and make life easier. Thanks so much for all your help.

If you have any questions about the components I ended up using, or anything else about this project please feel free to ask.

Here's an album of pictures of the various steps I took.

http://good-times.webshots.com/album/575506569UBMmTm

]

 

[PeterAL]

Total cost?

Ammo Box $20.00
Spray Paint 5.00
Battery 50.00
Charger 45.00
Converter 40.00 (included $22 for shipping to Canada!)
Small parts 25.00
----------
Total 185.00

I could have got a power pack for somewhat less at the local Canadian Tire store, but I really enjoyed doing it myself.

Thanks

 

[itsmoked]

Looks pretty good!

Don't try to take it on an airliner...

One point. You obviously have no idea how much energy that battery actually represents

or you would immediately fashion some sort of covers for the battery terminals.

Keith Cress
kcress -

http://www.flaminsystems.com

 

[PeterAL]

Covers? Covers? You mean to guard against shorting out between the two?

Hmmm.. it would be nice if there was some sort of material I could heat shrink around the terminals like I did with the joins in the wire..

I'm gonna look for large diameter heat shrink stuff..

Thanks

 

[itsmoked]

Yes that is what I mean. Having open posts at the bottom of a carrying case invites something metallic connecting them someday. It could well be during transit in the trunk of a subsequently burning vehicle.

Keith Cress
kcress -

http://www.flaminsystems.com

 

[PeterAL]

Yes indeed.. makes sense...

 

[PeterAL]

Well, an update... this battery system you folks helped me design has worked well... very well.. In fact it seems to be so good, that I suspect that it might carry on for the whole three days we need it, rather than recharging at night every day.

But, I don't want to take chances and be without power when needed.

I use it 12 hours straight, with stops for a minute or two, every half hour. Then I would not need it until the next day for another 12 hours stint, and the similarly the third day for about 10 hours.

If this battery will last throughout the whole three days, it will save me lugging it back to the motel every night for re-charging. It heavy enough, I'm considering re-working it into some sort of wheeled cart.

So, my question is, is there a gauge I can put on the battery, preferably wired right onto it, to tell me how much is left in the battery?

Thanks for your ongoing help.

 

[itsmoked]

There is probably something out there... Whatever it is it will draw from the battery constantly. This means it will help your battery die in storage.

You could just measure it with a voltmeter. 12V is dead flat - damage land. 13V+ is charged.

However I suggest you go for the exercise of recharging it as running the battery down below half of its capacity and letting is sit overnight will permanently reduce its capabilities.

I'm surprised you can't find an outlet somewhere nearby that you can charge it at. Not maybe where you use it but still local, even while you're eating lunch or something. The first few minutes really pack on the recharge.

Keith Cress
kcress -

http://www.flaminsystems.com