Using 2 x PP3 batteries with the CSS EL inverter

[simon_lewis]

Hello again guys - I'm after a bit of advice about running an EL saber from two PP3 batteries to increase brightness.

Can I run the CSS inverters from 18v? Will it take it? Parks uses two PP3s in his Graflex saber ("Deuce Technology" he calls it ie two PP3s wired in parallel to increase current but not voltage I think) and I was wondering if there was any advantage in trying CSS inverters on either 18v with two PP3s in series or 9v with two PP3s in parallel as I have room in my hilt.

Obviously I don't want to blow my inverter if I'm pushing my luck trying to run on 18v so I'm thinking that two PP3s in series might make a difference.

What do you think? Have any of you guys done this? What do you think Tim?

Also, there has been some mention about a resistor to protect the inverter if it gets turned on without a blade in - is this worth doing? Does it effect brightness?

Any help with this would be gratefully received.

Also, apologies if these topics have been discussed elsewhere - I had a look but didn't find any specific answers so I though I'd 'stick my hand up' and ask!

Cheers,

Simon.

Cheers,

Simon.

[xwingband]

EL description on front page... in General Q&A... read it. Answer is there.[:)]

Inverter protection... never had any blow without but it's not a bad thing.

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[simon_lewis]

Yep, found it - sorry about that. I'll check the index first next time.

No conclusions about 18v though - I guess it's trial and error to see how hot the inverters get.

Still, for $10 it's gotta be worth a try.

Cheers,

Simon.

Cheers,

Simon.

[xwingband]

Nope, description says "can be safely run at 9-18V". It doesn't get too hot from others trials and has been done before. The sweet spot for EL though is 12V. So 18V is a bit overboard.

<center>Read the FAQ (http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/sabers/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=552) or x-wing won't be happy. :(
Before posting did you check the Thread Index (http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/sabers/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=577)?

Want to roleplay in the SW universe? Visit:
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[simon_lewis]

Thanks for that info xwingband.

If 12v is the ideal voltage for the inverters, would it be best for me to use two PP3s in series and a 7812 voltage regulator costing £1.50 to drop it neatly to 12v?

It's just that I want to squeeze the most light out of my blade but don't want to damage the inverter!

Cheers,

Simon.

Cheers,

Simon.

[james3]

Not a bad idea at all, I would say you could also get a 8-AA or 8-AAA holder and you will add some weight in your hilt as well as lower your cost for batteries. Well, at least in my neck of the woods you can get like 48 AA's for about the same price as 8 9-volts.

"Only a Sith deals in absolutes. I will do what I must." - Obi-Wan Kenobi

[TK938]

you could always put a Fixed voltage regulator to make sure you keep at the "sweet spot" longer.

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062600&cp=&kw=fixed+voltage&parentPage=search

[Do-Clo]

If you choose to use a voltage regulator spend the extra money and get a simple heat sink for the 7812, the 7812 is good for 1.5 amps but it must be heat sinked in order to do that, plus by using a heatsink the regulator will last a long time. I have been using a 7805 for 20 years in a 5 volt power supply that I use for designing and testing of TTL logic circuits.

Do-Clo
Don't make me destroy you...