(Solution) PF Receivers Powered by 9V

[timslegos]

Hello,

Recently I have been investigating ways to power pf receivers through the old 9v switches. Since I would like to have 16 remote functions, I wanted to be able to switch on one bank, and switch off the other. I was very excited to find the technique below which "tricks" the pf system into being powered by 9v using aluminum foil.

Here is the article on TechnicBricks: http://www.technicbricks.com/2009/08/tbs-techtips-25-connecting-pf-receiver.html

However, I am worried about ruining my receivers. Is this method safe? I have looked around and cant seem to find an answer.

tim

[hrontos]

Although it is written that reversing polarity will not harm the receiver I would suggest to check the polarity and make sure you will not reverse the polarity of the power source. Receiver expects 9V with a certain polarity on the outer connector pins.

Otherwise it should work without problems, since the cooking foil just connects one used and one unsed wire.

[timslegos]

Do you know how I can check the polarity?

tim

[hrontos]

Any standard voltmeter will show you +9V or -9V, depending on which voltmeter connector you will connect to which of the outer pins of the new PF battery box. The same value (sign is important) you should get when you will measure the voltage on that cooking foil. Voltmeter connector has to be connected exactly the same way as when you checked the battery box.

[hrontos]

If you do not have a voltmeter this should also work (suitable also for purists ):

1. Take PF switch and fix it in neutral position using some axle and bricks to make sure you will not activate it accidentaly during test.

2. Apply cooking foil the OUTPUT connector of the switch just like you want to apply it to the extension wire.

3. Connect PF motor to the switch.

4. Connect switch wire to battery box.

5. Turn on the battery box (it is not important in which direction).

6. Motor will rotate in a certain dirrection. Turn off the battery box.

7. Now disconnect the motor and connect the same motor to the extension wire with cooking foil. Connect extension wire to your old style power source.

8. Activate old style power source. Motor will rotate and if your source polarity is correct, it will rotate in the same direction as in the point 6. If direction is wrong, your source has wrong polarity and you have to reverse it.

Although battery box has resetable fuse protection against accidental short circuit and switch and motor also cannot be damaged when you make some mistake during this test, I still consider voltmeter being better way to check it, so use this method only if you do not have other option at your own risk.

Edited March 27, 2013 by hrontos