Re: built the ac adapter

Jeff Hinman (ust941@edcca4.bgl.ca.boeing.com)
Mon, 19 Aug 1996 06:34:07 -0700

> The AC adapter runs at 3.8 volts, and the Ogo works like a champ.
> However, when I put my PCMCIA modem in, the Og shut down. I removed the
> card and powered back on and got a "your batteries may have been removed,
> you may experience... etc.". I was able to power up with the card and ac
> adapter in together, but the screen was really dim, and as soon as the
> geos home screen came on, I got the "your batteries are extrememly low"
> warning, but the voltmeter still read 3.8. I even had it crash so bad
> that I had to SHIFT-ON-NEXT +C reboot! (Yes, I was backed up) It works
> fine with an SRAM card in, so it can't be the slot. Has anyone else used
> a PCMCIA modem with the AC adapter?
>
> ----------------
> Michael Halleen Foresee Active Media www.foresee.com
> Chicago, IL The Grand Area www.mcs.com/~halleen/
> PGP me for my finger
>
>

Yes - I use the PCMCIA card every time I use the AC adaptor like the one you
have made. I think the problem Michael is in amperage. My adaptor is a 600mA
adaptor and it works perfect. I would even suggest using the 1A adaptor (also
available from Radio Shack). The voltage may still read 3.8 volts, but the
current may be insufficient. This is not a good idea to let happen since the
current wave form produced by the AC adaptor when it is maxed out can go
oscillating (sawtooth) instead of flat DC current. This could cause RAM memory
loss and even damage to the Ogo. I think the fact that the Ogo goes through the
batteries, especially with the serial cable and/or SRAM card, shows that it
requires a considerable amount of current supply.

A person could test the Ogo current demand by placing a small series wire shunt
with the batteries and measure the current used with the SRAM card during a read
and write to the card. This should be the maximum current demand.

Try returning your AC adaptor and get one with a minimum of 600mA rating
(preferably 1A). This should solve your problem.

It may also be the connections on the adaptor. Make sure all the wire connects
are soldered well and have good contact with the Ogo positive tab and negative
spring.

Jeff Hinman
ust941@edcca4.bgl.ca.boeing.com