AC adapter

chelboed · #1 03-20-2003, 08:21 AM

I have an RS 800mah 3-12v power cord. Can I use this on my Epoch charging dock? Should I put it on 7.5v or 9v?

Namuna · #2 03-20-2003, 09:42 AM

Unless you upgraded, the Epoch (spec 2) stock battery is a 3.6v pack...So use the 4.5v setting.

chelboed · #3 03-20-2003, 10:05 AM

Sorry, forgot to mention that it is a 4cell car now. So you think 7.5v will be enough? Or even 6v? I don't wanna have to tear into this thing again to replace cells if at all possible.

Namuna · #4 03-20-2003, 11:00 AM

A battery pack accepts up to 20% more voltage than it's rating (while charging)...So that 4 pack is rated at 4.8 + 20% = under 6.0v

Use the 6.0v setting.

chelboed · #5 03-20-2003, 12:46 PM

Thanx.

deoblehc · #6 03-21-2003, 09:48 PM

Namuna, doesn't the stock charger use 9v? 6x1.5vAA's to charge just a std. 3 cell car?

This is chelboed by the way. At my in-laws, I have to use a different sign in. I don't know why.

Namuna · #7 03-21-2003, 10:12 PM

Here's my theory on that...

You can pretty much go way over the voltage amount when charging...Like using 9v to charge 3.6v, because while it's actually charging ONLY a certain voltage will make it through.

But, the current is where the action is!

So, I'd say it's a 6xAA setup so that even if you used WEAK alkalines...You'd STILL have enough juice to properly charge.

My suggestions of only using 6v to charge is just safety

deoblehc · #8 03-22-2003, 07:59 AM

Cool. I wish I would have taken electronics classes. Thanks again.

ruddfan · #9 04-01-2003, 04:23 PM

I'm getting a little confused on this charger stuff. Different people on different boards are saying different stuff. So maybe someone with good knowledge of chargers and batteries can clearify this once and for all. If that is you Namuna sorry for this post and I'll take your advice.

I'm looking to by an adapter for my spec-2 with original battery pack. I read use the 9V(which is stock) but a lower ma rateing than the stock. Stock is 750ma so go 300ma or 400ma and charge it two or three times.

Namuna says use a 4.5V. What ma rateing? high like stock or low like this other guy says to? Also, charge it for how long?

My local RS has all of these adaptors so once I get an answer I can go buy and save $$$ on not buying baterries.

Thank you for all the help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Namuna · #10 04-01-2003, 04:54 PM

I'll take you're talking about OldTamiyaPhile's advise. I respect his views and when you look at all the info, we're not really giving any conflicting info.

- The lower the mA rating you charge at, the safer for the batteries, as well the better a charge you'll get...that's why he suggests using a lower setting and multi-charging.

- He's suggesting 9v as the charge voltage, which should be okay when using an AC/DC that's regulated for current...I suggest 4.5v because it's only just enough over the amount to get the charge going (so I'm probably being overly cautious)

- How long should you charge? The current (mA) rating of an AC Adapter is how much juice it'll put out in 1 hour, so you'd divide that by 60 for the per minute charge rate

If you used the specific AC Adapter for the Epoch, that's 750maH divided by 60 = 12.5mA, you'd need to charge the car for about 10minutes to get a full charge (the stock car batts are 120mAH rating)

ruddfan · #11 04-01-2003, 05:14 PM

Thank you very much Namuna!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You are big help, I'm off to Rs.