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New MessageNew Idea (modified 0 times) dual800
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Have'nt even started to try this but should work. We all need more power - so, lets try opening up the exsisting power suppy and put some quality wire [small guage but well insulated] to the AC plug and run it heatshrunk with the exsisting cable.

At I-Opener side, bring AC into base. Put your power supply of choice in the base unit; use a LM337/317T to regulate if its a small wall mount type. :)

A trip to digi-key might also reveal some interesting battery backup options as well [all sorts of ni-cads].

Important yet overlooked: note that the wire from exsisting PS is VERY flexible. Test lead wire?

God im gettin giddy now: how bout a solar cell charger that flips down to protect LCD
?:)

08-27-2000 03:38:24

New MessageRE:New Idea (modified 0 times) Las_Vegas
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You're talking about running 120VAC through small gage wire? Not a good idea. Higher voltages require multiple strands of wire since the electricity actually travels over the surface of the wire, rather than internally. Putting high voltage internally would require much better shielding as well to avoid the 60 cycle hum from showing up in the display and speakers (Ever wonder why the PC's power supply is in its own box?)

Adding a second power supply isn't a bad idea, but it should both be heavily shielded and be located in the io's base. This way we don't have to worry about the use of internal real estate, RFI noise or possible destruction of our blessed logic boards!

08-27-2000 06:12:54

New MessageRE:New Idea (modified 0 times) dual800
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Higher frequncy AC travels on the outside - hence invention of 'Litz' wire. 60hz does'nt really care, but we want/need flexibility so it would be nearly litz wire anyway
Dont see your point about shock hazard - typical insulations are 1000v+. Need good insulation though for physical reasons.

I meant putting the PS in the base - where else could it go?

Crap. just checked PS from I/O - plug not polarized or I could get away with single wire. might anyway since base is plastic.

08-28-2000 17:02:57

New MessageRE:New Idea (modified 0 times) dual800
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AHAH! I'm gonna try NiMH batteries - will require 16, so looks like AA's. That still gives ~1Hr of portable power, with an added benefit: You can draw a lot more power from batts for short term use than the switching PS from I/O - this should cure our CPU underpower problems! The I/O supply can also act as a charging unit when not portable, although Ill have to find a way to raise vI/O ps slightly - ez tweak of switching ps. Could also add solar cells which double as a LCD screen protector [mount to flip down - tiny piano hinge?].

Try www.nimhbattery.com for cells and www.plastecs.com for solar cells/panels. Both sites are very low prices too.

08-29-2000 04:36:45

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