Ice clock DC adapter source

[skylerin]

Hi,

Where can I source the 9V DC / 1000mA adapter (model PY-398) that comes with the Ice Clock? I couldn't find it in the Part Finder.

Thanks!
Matt

[adafruit]

we have them custom made for us, any 9V adapter with 500mA or more current capacity should be OK

[skylerin]

Thanks for the quick reply. Would you consider making them available on your website to purchase separately? I am working on a fork of the ice clock project and I need a supply with a bit more current than the 660mA 9V supply (ID:63) that you offer on the site store.

Matt

[adafruit]

right now we have only 650mA adapters - this is plenty for the ice tube. we did ship some with 1000mA (we were in between shipments of the 650's) but they dont need all 1000mA!

[skylerin]

Ok, thanks!

Matt

[Blind-Summit]

If I can find a 650ma 9v supply, would that be better than a 500ma supply?

I am asking specifically because I have a couple of tubes that are dim at brightness 30-60 (almost un-readable) and then from 70-90 they are bright. Would having a bit more power help at the lower brightness, or should I try another tube instead?

[adafruit_support_bill]

Would having a bit more power help at the lower brightness,

Is the supply voltage sagging at all? If not, your supply is delivering sufficient current.

[Blind-Summit]

Well, my supply is actually 6V 400mA, which gives me 9.7V on my multimeter (not connected to clock) and then 7.6V when connected to the clock.

However, with my 1st build (I made 2 Ice-Tube clocks!) the VFD lights up just fine - I can almost read the display on "30" brightness, but on the 2nd clock nothing is visible until about "60" brightness - that's why I think it's the tube.

[adafruit_support_bill]

Well, my supply is actually 6V 400mA, which gives me 9.7V on my multimeter (not connected to clock) and then 7.6V when connected to the clock.

You would likely do better with a true 9v regulated supply because the boost supply is driven from the 9v input - not the on-board regulated 5v.

That said, there can be significant variation between different samples of these NOS tubes.

[Blind-Summit]

I don't have a 9v supply just yet (2 on order) but can I make a simple 9v PSU using a transformer? I have 3 that step down to 16V, 15V and 12V AC. Put that through a full bridge with a smoothing cap - and then a resistor down to 9V DC?

[adafruit_support_bill]

The boost converter is running 'open loop' with no feedback. That is reasonable to do with a regulated voltage source. Without that, you take your chances.

[Blind-Summit]

Seems it's hard to find the regulated 9v 500mA supplies on eBay. I got a 12V regulated supply which I assume will be fine to use?

[adafruit_support_bill]

The design page says 9-12v.

[adafruit]

Seems it's hard to find the regulated 9v 500mA supplies on eBay. I got a 12V regulated supply which I assume will be fine to use?

Hi, as we have mentioned before, we really cannot help or support DIY projects. As you can see, it quickly becomes a large support load for us

viewtopic.php?f=41&t=22667&p=118985#p118985

Please endavour to work out any issues you have with your DIY clock on your own so that we can focus on helping customers

Thanks!