6 replies to this topic

[Foggy]

Hi there, I'm new and I've got a question. I want to use the power functions without batteries.. so i want to provide current by a current trasformer, is it possible? I think to use the LEGO SYSTEM 4548 used for trains but this one has 2 wires while the power functions has 4 wires and i thought to use 1 external and 1 of the middle wires (of the 4 totals). Do you think it will workout? I would use this to use the 8043 or 8110 that i'm gonna buy.

I'm open to your advises.
Thanks for help, appreciated ;)
Ciao

Edited by Foggy, 21 April 2012 - 04:35 PM.

[AndyC]

Foggy, on 21 April 2012 - 04:33 PM, said:

Hi there, I'm new and I've got a question. I want to use the power functions without batteries.. so i want to provide current by a current trasformer, is it possible? I think to use the LEGO SYSTEM 4548 used for trains but this one has 2 wires while the power functions has 4 wires and i thought to use 1 external and 1 of the middle wires (of the 4 totals). Do you think it will workout? I would use this to use the 8043 or 8110 that i'm gonna buy.

You can use a Power Functions extension cable to connect PF parts to the older 9V electric parts, as one end of the cable has an adapter on the bottom. That will ensure the PF pins are wired up correctly too.

[Foggy]

I don't understand which connector,i had a look at PF ext cab but haven't saw any PF-old style electric adapter. Can you explain me better?
Appreciated.

[roamingstudio]

Foggy, on 23 April 2012 - 08:17 AM, said:

I don't understand which connector,i had a look at PF ext cab but haven't saw any PF-old style electric adapter. Can you explain me better?
Appreciated.

Philo has a good circuit diagram of the PF functions.
. In effect, the C1 and C2 lines provide control signals, whilst 9V and GND are provided by the battery.

A typical mod is to provide 9V PP3 battery onto the 9V and GND lines (C1 and C2 are floating). Next put these two lines (9V, GND) into the PF IR receiver; and this will generate the necessary C1 and C2 signals for controlling motors etc.

Power Functions extension Wire 8871 has a 9V connector on the bottom of one of the 2x2 plates, and a PF connector on the top. The other end has PF connector top and bottom.

Edited by roamingstudio, 23 April 2012 - 08:32 AM.

[AndyC]

Foggy, on 23 April 2012 - 08:17 AM, said:

I don't understand which connector,i had a look at PF ext cab but haven't saw any PF-old style electric adapter. Can you explain me better?
Appreciated.

Either the 8886 or 8871 extension wires, one end has an old-style connector on the bottom that can connect to old electric parts and a PF connector on the top (the other end is PF both top and bottom).

[Napoleon53]

I don't know much of power functions, and I'll leave it to more knowledgeable experts, but I thought the title meant your power functions were working without batteries period, like that creepy dummy from Dead Silence. "Woah! You have a LEGO poltergeist! Call an exorcist! Next your 2x4's will be flying across the room!"  

[Foggy]

AndyC, on 23 April 2012 - 07:14 PM, said:

Either the 8886 or 8871 extension wires, one end has an old-style connector on the bottom that can connect to old electric parts and a PF connector on the top (the other end is PF both top and bottom).

Thank to you all, first i looked at them didn't see the bottom with the old 9v connector.. I'm gonna buy some of them with some spare XL and M motors to use on 8110 and 8258.

Any idea about providing current (always without batteries) on the IR Remote control/s? Think should be hard..and can't do different than using rechargeables batteries :(

Anyway thanks for help ;)

Ciao