AAA power inverter noise

Our weekly LIVE video chat. Every Wednesday at 8pm ET!

Moderators: adafruit_support_bill, adafruit

Please be positive and constructive with your questions and comments.
Locked
User avatar
klerk
 
Posts: 8
Joined: Thu Mar 12, 2015 12:58 pm

AAA power inverter noise

Post by klerk »

just received my 4xAAA battery powered power inverters, and they both emit a high frequency noise when all 4 batteries are placed. one makes the noise much more loudly when powered on. i'm using the batteries that came with the shipment. what am i doing wrong?

User avatar
adafruit_support_bill
 
Posts: 88086
Joined: Sat Feb 07, 2009 10:11 am

Re: AAA power inverter noise

Post by adafruit_support_bill »

This is normal for inverters. The inverter is converting the ~6v DC from the 4xAA cells to ~100v AC at around 1-2KHz. The combination of the voltage boost and high-frequency switching creates audible vibrations in the inverter components.

Although it sounds pretty loud operating on a tabletop, if you stick it in your pocket you will barely hear it.

User avatar
klerk
 
Posts: 8
Joined: Thu Mar 12, 2015 12:58 pm

Re: AAA power inverter noise

Post by klerk »

unfortunately my application is for wall art....and the sound is an issue. i've never experienced this sound with any other battery powered device. is there a different inverter you can send me that doesn't squeal when the batteries are inserted?

User avatar
adafruit_support_bill
 
Posts: 88086
Joined: Sat Feb 07, 2009 10:11 am

Re: AAA power inverter noise

Post by adafruit_support_bill »

They all do that to some degree. Some have had luck reducing the sound by wrapping them in foam and/or opening the case and filling the voids with hot-glue.

User avatar
klerk
 
Posts: 8
Joined: Thu Mar 12, 2015 12:58 pm

Re: AAA power inverter noise

Post by klerk »

if i cannot silence the inverter to an acceptable level, can i return my order for a full refund? i received it yesterday.

User avatar
adafruit_support_bill
 
Posts: 88086
Joined: Sat Feb 07, 2009 10:11 am

Re: AAA power inverter noise

Post by adafruit_support_bill »

We can accept returns on unmodified products only, so I'd try the wrapping solution first.

User avatar
klerk
 
Posts: 8
Joined: Thu Mar 12, 2015 12:58 pm

Re: AAA power inverter noise

Post by klerk »

how would a 3V inverter compare to the 6V that came with the kit (that i'm having problems with)? will it result in a dimmer strip?

User avatar
adafruit_support_bill
 
Posts: 88086
Joined: Sat Feb 07, 2009 10:11 am

Re: AAA power inverter noise

Post by adafruit_support_bill »

The 3v inverter will be somewhat dimmer using the same length of strip.

User avatar
klerk
 
Posts: 8
Joined: Thu Mar 12, 2015 12:58 pm

Re: AAA power inverter noise

Post by klerk »

how do i make a return? Do i need a return authorization number? please provide details. thanks.

User avatar
adafruit_support_bill
 
Posts: 88086
Joined: Sat Feb 07, 2009 10:11 am

Re: AAA power inverter noise

Post by adafruit_support_bill »

Please contact [email protected] with a link to this thread and they will help arrange the return.

User avatar
Rothmj
 
Posts: 1
Joined: Thu May 07, 2015 10:25 am

Re: AAA power inverter noise

Post by Rothmj »

Does filing the void cause any heat issues and is it as simple as filing the entire void with glue from a glue gun?

User avatar
adafruit_support_bill
 
Posts: 88086
Joined: Sat Feb 07, 2009 10:11 am

Re: AAA power inverter noise

Post by adafruit_support_bill »

These don't run very hot to begin with, so the glue does not seem to cause any problems.

Filling the void should attenuate the noise noticeably, but probably not silence it completely.

Locked
Please be positive and constructive with your questions and comments.

Return to “Ask an Engineer! VIDEO CHAT (closed)”