2 leg 2.1mm DC socket use in a circuit.

[Ackevor]

Short version : Can I use a 2 leg female socket to charge batteries without powering the circuit?

I have a lightsaber with a soundboard. Currently it uses 2- 3.7V batteries. Removing the assembly to charge them causes a lot of wear on the wiring. So I bought a couple 2.1mm sockets to install in the hilt so I can charge without removing them. The first was intended to be installed from the inside and flush with the face of the hilt. Then I discovered there isnt enough clearance, this was a switched socket. The second I got to thread in from the outside and counterbored to be flush as well, this is a 2 legged socket. It wasnt until I already drilled and counterbored the hilt that I realized my ignorance. The other 3 leg switched socket is exactly what I needed to kill power to the circuit and charge the batteries.

Bit late now and I can't find any identical 3 leg sockets so I am wondering if I can still utilize this socket without powering the circuit and charging simultaneously by adding a couple small items to the circuit. If its possible, how can I keep it small enough to fit in a 1 inch cylinder, and what would I need?

 

[(*steve*)]

Assuming you place the power socket before any power switch then yes, that will work.

You need to be careful because this socket always has the battery voltage across it. You really don't want to short it out.

 

[Ackevor]

Assuming you place the power socket before any power switch then yes, that will work.

You need to be careful because this socket always has the battery voltage across it. You really don't want to short it out.

Wow, I don't know why I didn't think of trying this. Been really off my game lately. Ill test it out now, thanks.

 

[Ackevor]

A quick test with variable power supply shows it may work, however I am not sure the circuit capacity protection on the sound board. The batteres are wired to that in such a way that when they are inserted it powers it up briefly to play a boot up sound. My only fear would be applying too much voltage and frying it. Even though the momentary switch is needed turn it on, I believe it may work. I suspect with two 3.7V in series would need a charging voltage higher than 8.4, considering the wall chargers supply 5v to each cell I would ideally want 10 volts while in series. I think this should be a safe voltage for even the breif time the sound card is pulling power.

 

[CDRIVE]

You need to be careful because this socket always has the battery voltage across it. You really don't want to short it out.

If he can find empty real estate I guess he can add a Diode as a safeguard.

Chris

 

[HellasTechn]

suspect with two 3.7V in series would need a charging voltage higher than 8.4,

If the 3.7Volt cells are LiPo (like 18650) then you have to charge them with 4.2 Volts maximum.

considering the wall chargers supply 5v to each cell I would ideally want 10 volts while in series. I think this should be a safe voltage for even the breif time the sound card is pulling power.

5 Volts per cell will be too much. Batteries will be overcharged and damaged for sure. (may run hot and blow).

 

[(*steve*)]

yeah, you must use an appropriate voltage or better an appropriate charger.