Convert battery powered light to hardwired  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: glenfricker
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 31, 2024, 05:33:06 pm
content: Hello everyone. I'm new here and in need of some advice. I purchased a light for my dartboard and I'm tired of changing batteries. The light has two compartments for 2 AA batteries. With the correct adaptor, would I have to connect the adaptor to both ends of the compartments and if so how would I do this. Please see the attached pictures for explanation. I think this can be done but I am unsure how.Thanks in advance

author: Grandchuck
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2024, 05:50:41 pm
content: Do you have a DMM?

author: glenfricker
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 31, 2024, 06:06:57 pm
content: Sorry for my ignorance, but what is a DMM? Is that a multi meter? If so yes I have one.

author: Grandchuck
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2024, 06:11:16 pm
content: Yes. Probe the battery ends until you measure about 6 volts. That is where you will connect the adapter. Be sure to observe polarity.

author: schmitt trigger
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2024, 06:18:21 pm
content: With your meter, you will have to figure out whether your batteries are in series or parallel.I have a similar device. The 6 alkaline batteries should provide 9 volts, but in reality it is only 4.5 volts.The 3 series connected top bank is in parallel with the 3 series connected bottom bank.Please determine how yours is connected first.

author: BeBuLamar
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2024, 06:47:36 pm
content: There are lots of screws there I think you can take it apart and see how it's wired.

author: glenfricker
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 31, 2024, 07:21:48 pm
content: I found this on Amazon. I think it will work. Am I on the right track?5Volt 2A DC Power Supply Adapter 5V Power Supply 10W AC Adapter 100V-240V AC to DC 5V 2A 1A Power Adapter Transformers Replacement Power Cord 5.5mm*2.5mm DC Plug

author: Grandchuck
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2024, 08:33:50 pm
content: Ummm ... did you measure about 6 volts?

author: glenfricker
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 31, 2024, 08:37:48 pm
content: No I didn't. I'm going by what was printed on the light itself. Please see attached

author: Grandchuck
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2024, 08:51:24 pm
content: If the plug is correct it should work.

author: glenfricker
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 31, 2024, 09:27:50 pm
content: Thanks for all the help!

author: tunk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2024, 09:38:43 pm
content: Check the polarity of the 5.5mm plug.Your light uses center negative, AFAIK most plugs/adapters have center positive.

author: glenfricker
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 01, 2025, 06:09:23 pm
content: I think I found the correct one.Accessory USA 5V 1A Mains DC Switching Adaptor Power Supply Negative Center 5.5mmx2.5mm PSU

author: mariush
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 01, 2025, 09:10:49 pm
content: If you have a soldering iron available, you could just open it up , cut the traces and flip them around with a couple wires.Just make sure to remove the batteries. They probably use the positive on the outside because the jack has an on/off mechanism inside that disconnects the batteries when a plug is inserted.Or you know, you could just get a panel mounted barrel jack and drill into the case a hole and solder wires to the traces2.1mm ID / 5.5mm OD :https://www.digikey.com/short/8t2rq425- the standard for lower current adapters2.5mm ID / 5.5mm OD :https://www.digikey.com/short/9tw8tb3t- more common in higher current adapters

author: glenfricker
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 02, 2025, 06:39:19 pm
content: Thank you for your help. It already comes with the adapter port that is center negative. I think I found an adapter that matches. Will this one work?Accessory USA 5V 1A Mains DC Switching Adaptor Power Supply Negative Center 5.5mmx2.5mm PSU

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 02, 2025, 06:45:20 pm
content: Quote from: glenfricker on January 01, 2025, 06:09:23 pmQuote from: glenfricker on January 02, 2025, 06:39:19 pmIt seems like it should work. It has the right voltage, it is center negative, and it is the right size of plug.

author: glenfricker
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 03, 2025, 04:50:58 pm
content: Thank you for your help!