replacing batteries with power transformer questions

[ahardb0dy]

I want to eliminate the batteries in a guitar hero guitar so I can plug a power transformer into the guitar and plug it into the wall, I did this a while back on a Super Nintendo super scope ( told ya it was a long time ago, lol), I have no problem doing the work but have a few questions:

1. the label on the guitar controller says DC 3 volts 35 Ma, so I need a DC wall wart ( transformer) that is rated at least 35 Ma right?
2. I want to be able to hook 2 guitar controllers to the same transformer, do I stay with the 3 volt one as long as the amperage is high enough to run both guitar controllers?

 

[redbenjoe]

yes -- go with the 3 volts --
and get a 1 amp capacity -- or nothing to loose by even a higher amp rating

 

[ahardb0dy]

I have to check to se if I have a transformer I can use if not radio shack has a 3Volt 500Ma, would that be ok to use even if the Ma's are higher than what is needed?

 

[Johnny]

I have to check to se if I have a transformer I can use if not radio shack has a 3Volt 500Ma, would that be ok to use even if the Ma's are higher than what is needed?

Yes, the amps is what it can supply (if needed) the volts is important and having ENOUGH amps is also.

Should work FINE!

 

[ahardb0dy]

thanks, we're tired of buying batteries all the time, these guitar controllers eat them like crazy

 

[redbenjoe]

there is no such thing as too much capacity --
so get a 3V with one amp -- or more amps

that 1/2 amp radio shack job might not run both --
probably will though

 

[Johnny]

there is no such thing as too much capacity --
so get a 3V with one amp -- or more amps

that 1/2 amp radio shack job might not run both --
probably will though

 

[ahardb0dy]

the guitars require 3 Volts 35 Ma so 70 Ma total, the 500Ma should be enough for both shouldn't it?

 

[Johnny]

 

[ahardb0dy]

OK, I found a variable transformer and connected it to a pair of alligator clips, took the guitar apart and connected the clips to the red and black terminals, plugged it in and nothing, the power transformer is 3 Volts 500Ma's, put the batteries back in and the guitar came right on. What do I need a higher Ma rating? What are AA batteries rated in terms of amps?

Thanks

 

[Kerotan]

I've got rechargeable AA batteries rated at 2400mAh they go even higher than that and I'd assume that non-rechargeable ones could be even higher. You need to do some Q=It calculations to work out the current from the battery though and it will only be a rough estimation of the amps it is giving, as the current provided follows an exponential decay as the charge in the battery decreases. Alternatively run it through an ammeter.

 

[ahardb0dy]

tried rechargeable batteries they last about 10 minutes, anyway mission accomplished, both guitars are wired and functioning properly, and with no more expensive batteries, and they can still use batteries if we want to, thanks to all for your assistance.