Converting devices from batteries to AC power

ZimZum · 11-07-2009, 12:07 AM

This maybe a simple question but I cant find the answer anywhere. How do I determine the voltage requirements for a device that runs strictly on batteries, just going by the number of batteries it uses? For example, a device that uses 8 C batteries runs on X amount of volts. To determine X Do you just multiply the number of batteries by the voltage of each battery?

PM650 · 11-07-2009, 12:15 AM

Yes, if the batteries are all in series (most likely).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Series_...allel_circuits

Colt45 · 11-07-2009, 06:21 AM

std carbon zinc cell is 1.5v, make sure they're all in series (some things may be series-parallel, but not as many).

If just series, it's as simple as number of cells * 1.5V

ZimZum · 11-07-2009, 10:05 AM

Thank you, Ive fried things in the past and figured there had to be a better way than guessing and hoping I didn't smell smoke when I plugged it into the wall.

bobsmith1492 · 11-07-2009, 11:18 AM

The voltage is written on the batteries.

firewolfsm · 11-07-2009, 02:18 PM

I love electronics because the most complicated situations really can be fully predicted and understood, at least on the macroscopic scale, by simple math and simpler metaphors. Each battery really is simply providing a force to push electrons, they each do so in the same way, so you just add it all up for series.

bobsmith1492 · 11-08-2009, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by firewolfsm

I love electronics because the most complicated situations really can be fully predicted and understood, at least on the macroscopic scale, by simple math and simpler metaphors. Each battery really is simply providing a force to push electrons, they each do so in the same way, so you just add it all up for series.

Apparently you haven't found poles for high order filters using differential equations yet?

luv2liv · 11-09-2009, 10:43 AM

ok. say i found out the device uses 3V.
so i would get one of those AC to DC and set the voltage at 3v for output. does it matter what the current is? i'm asking because those laptop power bricks have both voltage and amps.

bobsmith1492 · 11-09-2009, 12:26 PM

As long as the device needs less current than the supply can give you will be fine.