Trying to mains power a B&D dustbuster. Good idea?

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geekIT

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Topic # 113594 21-Jan-2013 20:22

Hi all. A question for electrically-minded Geeks.

I've been trying to find replacement batteries for my elderly B&D v9650 Dustbuster. No joy - way out of date, apparently.

However, I have several dozen power adapters of various voltage and amperage (from modems, external hard drive containers, phones etc etc) and it occurred to me that I might be able to power this gadget with one of these, once I determine the motor's power requirements.

Am I barking up the wrong tree here? Or is it possible that it could work? Obviously it'll end up being a mains powered device, instead of battery powered, but that's OK.

Comments would be appreciated

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Reply # 748450 21-Jan-2013 20:37

It will work. Probably NiMH or NiCd batteries. Work on 1.2V to 1.3V times the number of cells. Does not have to be exact. Maybe 1A - 2A? But you can buy the cells with tabs and make up your own battery pack.

NiMH and NiCd batteries last very long if you do not keep it on charge. Very long explanation, but keeping it on the charger damages them. This also goes for cordless phones. Mine is now probably 5 or 6 years old and the battery life is still over a week, as new. I charge them only once a week and for about 18h.

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gzt

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Reply # 748478 21-Jan-2013 21:06

There is a service diagram here: http://www.powertoolspares.com/tool/black-decker/spares-and-accessories-for-v9650-dustbuster/v9650typeh1/spares/

The battery pack is 9.6V according to the diagram. That would mean eight 1.2V cells. The picture kind of looks like four cells but it will be obvious when it is removed.

If you don't want to make your own my guess is one of many rechargeable battery pack sellers in NZ will be make one up for you and possibly install it if needed.

nickb800

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Reply # 748502 21-Jan-2013 22:03

No reason you can't use a plugpack to make it mains powered, just bear in mind that the current draw could be a fair bit higher than that of the charger - these devices often have a much shorter running time than charging time

geekIT

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Reply # 748540 21-Jan-2013 23:07

Thanks for your input, guys.

Not sure if I got my point across, though. Thing is, I'm not trying to go the battery pack way - I was asking if I could use a power adapter to run the thing, wired, from the mains.

Like, say the Dustbuster's little motor needs 10v to run it, and I happen to have a power pack that delivers 10v - could I direct wire that adapter to the Dustbuster motor and make it work that way?

And if so, would the (I'm guessing :-)) extra current usage be likely to kill the adapter?

I'm an IT guy, not an electrical technician. The business of volts, amps, watts and current has always baffled me :-)

BTW - I think nickb800 saw where I was coming from but - sorry Nick - I'm not sure what your reply meant. Duh....

Niel

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Reply # 748571 22-Jan-2013 06:28

You need to know how much current it will draw, for which you need to run the motor. Once you have the current rating then it is a matter of finding a power adapter to do it. Probably a 12V power adapter with a couple of diodes in series to drop the voltage to closer to 10V. I can help you with that.

Is there a model number on the motor? Or any other specs? Current or wattage? That info will not be on the outside, only the charging requirement will be on the outside. Check the motor itself.

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geekIT

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Reply # 748717 22-Jan-2013 12:04

Thanks Niel. I appreciate your offer of help with the modification.

First, you mention ascertaining how much current the Dustbuster motor draws. How do I do that?

illicit

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Reply # 748906 22-Jan-2013 15:33

multimeter & google "measuring amperage"

Niel

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Reply # 748971 22-Jan-2013 16:31

What is the model number? Google suggests it might be only like 15W so less than 2A. There are also indication some people use the motors for hobby projects and run them at 12V and even 14V. But start with the model number then we can work from that.

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geekIT

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Reply # 749044 22-Jan-2013 18:56

Sure Niel, it's a B&D v9650 Dustbuster.
Cheers :-)

timmmay

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Reply # 749399 23-Jan-2013 11:02

Isn't the whole point of a dust buster to be a quick and easy way to pick up little things? You might as well get out your full vacuum cleaner if it's a mains dust buster.

I think you should look into replacing the battery, either with something from ebay, or made up from individual cells yourself as mentioned above.

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gzt

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Reply # 749440 23-Jan-2013 11:54

Still useful on a hobby workbench, in a car with a cig lighter plug, etc.

Bung

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Reply # 749454 23-Jan-2013 12:07

Niel: What is the model number? Google suggests it might be only like 15W so less than 2A.

Google suggests that the motor could be a Johnson. Their 9.6v motor is 1.5A no load - 25A stall so the chance of a really common plug pack having enough power is slim.

gzt

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Reply # 749464 23-Jan-2013 12:15

Stall will not be an issue in a vacuum cleaner application. There is still plenty of cheap or surplus equipment around to provide 2A or thereabouts.

Niel

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Reply # 749659 23-Jan-2013 15:56

The battery is 1.2V per cell nominal. When charged they are up to about 1.5V per cell (x8 = 12V). You should be fine at 12V, and have lots of power. Would be better if you can solder a diode or two in series. A 12V 5A power adapter should be fine. Where are you?

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geekIT

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Reply # 749795 23-Jan-2013 20:04

Thanks for the additional comments, guys.

Niel, I'm in Arrowtown - 15k from Queenstown.

You mentioned a 12Vx5A adapter might be suitable.

Turns out the gutsiest adapters in my collection are 12V x 2A, so maybe not enuff grunt. I guess I could couple of these together in some scientifically magical way, but I think that might be a little OTT.

I mean, the plan was just to:
a) Avoid throwing out a perfectly good device and
b) Return said device to active service and
c) Indulge in a spot of electronic DIY and
d) See if it could be done.

Plus of course, e) Avoid spending more money on rechargeable batteries than it would cost to buy a perfectly serviceable used Dustbuster.

So, if it was going to be simple, and likely to work - it would have been worth a try. But it doesn't sound like those parameters are gonna be met.

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