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Gear / Technical Help => Remote Power => Topic started by: gruven42 on April 12, 2004, 11:45:30 AM

Title: Avoid taking apart JB3 Car Adapter
Post by: gruven42 on April 12, 2004, 11:45:30 AM
Hey guys, I found something at Radio Shack that allows you to avoid taking apart the Car Adapter and having to solder, etc. It's called a "Car Power Adapter with Battery Clips" for $6.49. Just clip it onto your 12v SLA, and plug the Creative car adapter right into it!

Click here for the product: http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&product%5Fid=270-1527 (http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&product%5Fid=270-1527)

(http://www.radioshack.com/images/ProductCatalog/ProductImage/270/270-1527.jpg)
Title: Re:Avoid taking apart JB3 Car Adapter
Post by: Brian Skalinder on April 12, 2004, 11:49:05 AM
Confused as to why I would need to take apart the car adapter?  I assume the car adapter has the standard male cig lighter plug on it.  Easy enough to wire up a female cig lighter plug to a 12v batt.
Title: Re:Avoid taking apart JB3 Car Adapter
Post by: gruven42 on April 12, 2004, 11:53:20 AM
Confused as to why I would need to take apart the car adapter?

You don't -- that's the point. sickrick43 was telling of how he "hacked" the adapter to wire it to a battery, when there are better alternatives.
Title: Re:Avoid taking apart JB3 Car Adapter
Post by: Brian Skalinder on April 12, 2004, 11:54:29 AM
Ahhhh...I get it.  Though hacking it apart would probably help reduce the form factor - those cig adapters aren't small.
Title: Re:Avoid taking apart JB3 Car Adapter
Post by: gruven42 on April 12, 2004, 11:56:49 AM
those cig adapters aren't small.

Right, but neither are SLAs  ;)
Title: Re:Avoid taking apart JB3 Car Adapter
Post by: Ed. on April 12, 2004, 12:00:16 PM
when you say plug the creative adapter right into it, what adapter are you talking about, the car adapter or the wall adapter?
Title: Re:Avoid taking apart JB3 Car Adapter
Post by: gruven42 on April 12, 2004, 12:06:06 PM
the car adapter or the wall adapter?

Car adapter. Edited my post. Thanks!
Title: Re:Avoid taking apart JB3 Car Adapter
Post by: Ed. on April 12, 2004, 12:09:53 PM
aww shucks, i was hoping i could just plug in the normal wall adapter into it, so i didn't have to buy the expensive car adapter.

what really sucks is buying all this stuff just for bonnaroo, never to use it again probably.
Title: Re:Avoid taking apart JB3 Car Adapter
Post by: Swampy on April 12, 2004, 12:41:16 PM
Wait, is this so you can charge it off your car battery? Im confused...
Title: Re:Avoid taking apart JB3 Car Adapter
Post by: gruven42 on April 12, 2004, 12:50:33 PM
Wait, is this so you can charge it off your car battery? Im confused...

No, to power it with an SLA while recording. Mine is a Powersonic with the terminals that stick out:

(http://www.gotbatteries.com/images/SLA/35L109S3.jpg)

So, I attach the clips to the terminals, and plug in the car adapter.
Title: Re:Avoid taking apart JB3 Car Adapter
Post by: Swampy on April 12, 2004, 01:04:56 PM
Oh I get it! That seems like a little too much stuff for me! Good idea for someone that doesnt want to solder. You have to watch out thoes clips dont come off though!
Title: Re:Avoid taking apart JB3 Car Adapter
Post by: gruven42 on April 12, 2004, 01:09:16 PM
You have to watch out thoes clips dont come off though!

Yeah, it'll have to be well guarded!  ;D
Title: Re:Avoid taking apart JB3 Car Adapter
Post by: Swampy on April 12, 2004, 01:11:42 PM
Well Im sure a good wOOk kick could easly release one of the clips on the adaptor from the sla. Not the clips on the sla it self.
Title: Re:Avoid taking apart JB3 Car Adapter
Post by: sickrick43 on April 12, 2004, 02:33:20 PM
Confused as to why I would need to take apart the car adapter?

You don't -- that's the point. sickrick43 was telling of how he "hacked" the adapter to wire it to a battery, when there are better alternatives.


Right you are Bri.  Minimizes the form factor, and allows RELIABLE connections that aren't likely to come apart in a big, or mid-show.

And what if you have a "store bought" SLA battery system with XLR-4 connectors?  What are you supposed to attach those clips to?  If you choose to use the Radio Shack adaptaplugs and extension cords, as I;ve documented (or even the RC type connectors) you can make a system where the cig lighter adapter can be "plugged into" the car adapter to power/charge the JB3 in the car.

If you've got a DIY SLA. then replace the "booster cable" clips on this thing, with whatever connector your SLA takes.  I'm running EC-90's, with XLR connectors on the battery, so going with a modular connector solution, allows me to interchange devices without a hassle.

You're still going to have to do some "hacking" either of the car adapter, or the cigarette lighter attachment.  I wouldn't just use the stock clips on this thing, and PRAY that they don't slip/get knocked off in a show, nor would I consider using a cable with spring loaded "jumper-cable-style" clips a "better alternative".

If you've really got your heart set on this, I suggest you "hack off" the jumper cable spring clips, and crimp on spade lugs that fit the connectors on your battery.  But still, people that are using XLR-4 style connectors are going to have to do some soldering, one way or another.

The one thing we KNOW a JB3 doesn't take kindly to, is losing power on the external adapter.

Rick
Title: Re:Avoid taking apart JB3 Car Adapter
Post by: gruven42 on April 12, 2004, 02:46:25 PM
I suggest you "hack off" the jumper cable spring clips, and crimp on spade lugs that fit the connectors on your battery.

Good idea. I haven't received the jumper/lighter kit yet, but will report my findings as to how stable the connection would be.

BTW, how do you "crimp" and what do you "crimp" with?
Title: Re:Avoid taking apart JB3 Car Adapter
Post by: fozzy on April 13, 2004, 12:42:56 AM
clips look scary to me i say solder it up and add an xlr or RC type connector(personally i use Dean's RC connectors).  I know i would screw up the clips w/o w00k help.
Title: Re:Avoid taking apart JB3 Car Adapter
Post by: John R on April 13, 2004, 01:07:53 AM
I suggest you "hack off" the jumper cable spring clips, and crimp on spade lugs that fit the connectors on your battery.

Good idea. I haven't received the jumper/lighter kit yet, but will report my findings as to how stable the connection would be.

BTW, how do you "crimp" and what do you "crimp" with?

you could crimp w/solderless connectors ala spade clips, you could get m/f rc plugs from rs, you could get mini xlr's, or you could use telco beans.

jr
Title: Re:Avoid taking apart JB3 Car Adapter
Post by: mirth on April 14, 2004, 12:15:25 AM
One crimps with a crimp tool... ;)
Title: Re:Avoid taking apart JB3 Car Adapter
Post by: F.O.Bean on April 14, 2004, 05:08:37 AM
One crimps with a crimp tool... ;)

or pliers would work depending on the connection