What type of battery pack can power a device with 9V 0.5A output?

In summary, the adaptor included in the world's cheapest (and only) 2 channel pm2.5 monitor can only be powered by a 9 volt battery, and the battery pack recommended by the manufacturer is too expensive and bulky.
  • #36
Asymptotic said:
The only way to know for certain is to measure the two quantities of interest - voltage and current - and observe how they behave. That said, I'd expect current to fall off as voltage decreases, and hence power as well.

Do you know anyone who has a variable voltage DC supply? If I had a gizmo like the Dylos air particle tester and wanted to know these things, I'd connect a voltmeter across the power plug, an ammeter in series, and measure and record both quantities while lowering voltage in 0.1V increments until the device stopped working.

I may do it after thoroughly familar with the difference between haze, mist, fog, etc. and how to estimate pm2.5 levels by eyes only. Whats complicating it all is water vapor can increase values in those sensors, even by twice!

Concerning constant power or ampere draw. I thought the answer was clear.

Can you give examples of devices that draw constant power (wattage) by increasing amperage when voltage goes down? And devices that draw constant amperage even when voltage goes down? Thank you.
 
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  • #37
chirhone said:
Can you give examples of devices that draw constant power (wattage) by increasing amperage when voltage goes down? And devices that draw constant amperage even when voltage goes down? Thank you.
Within limits, yes. Provided that load power is constant (and speed setpoint isn't pegged at 100%), a DC motor drive in speed feedback will draw more line current as line voltage is reduced, and visa versa. No devices where line current remains constant as line voltage varies are coming to mind.

Your Dylos tester uses an unregulated DC supply. It's output voltage can range from about 13.7 VDC unloaded to 9 VDC at 500 mA load, and will be about 11 VDC when delivering 270 mA.

There must be one or more regulators within the Dylos unit, but I've been unable to find a schematic diagram for it so their nature can only be inferred. It has a fan to move air through the test chamber, a laser light source, a computer (and possibly other voltage or current sensitive components such as analog-to-digital converters).

I'd expect fan voltage is regulated (because speed variations would change the air volume, and hence the number of particles passing through the test chamber), the computer needs one or more regulated voltage supplies, and the laser diode will almost certainly have a current regulator.

None of these details are known to us, but what we can do it treat the Dylos as a "black box", measure applied voltage and current draw, and observe what the unit does. For example, it probably demands slightly more current from the supply when the number of characters increase on the LCD display. Does the fan and laser run all the time, or are they switched on only when a particle measurement is commanded? If the latter, it wouldn't surprise me if (as battery terminal voltage decreases too far) the tester would appear to be working fine, but operate strangely when the particle measurement is made.
 
  • #38
Asymptotic said:
Within limits, yes. Provided that load power is constant (and speed setpoint isn't pegged at 100%), a DC motor drive in speed feedback will draw more line current as line voltage is reduced, and visa versa. No devices where line current remains constant as line voltage varies are coming to mind.

Your Dylos tester uses an unregulated DC supply. It's output voltage can range from about 13.7 VDC unloaded to 9 VDC at 500 mA load, and will be about 11 VDC when delivering 270 mA.

There must be one or more regulators within the Dylos unit, but I've been unable to find a schematic diagram for it so their nature can only be inferred. It has a fan to move air through the test chamber, a laser light source, a computer (and possibly other voltage or current sensitive components such as analog-to-digital converters).

I'd expect fan voltage is regulated (because speed variations would change the air volume, and hence the number of particles passing through the test chamber), the computer needs one or more regulated voltage supplies, and the laser diode will almost certainly have a current regulator.

None of these details are known to us, but what we can do it treat the Dylos as a "black box", measure applied voltage and current draw, and observe what the unit does. For example, it probably demands slightly more current from the supply when the number of characters increase on the LCD display. Does the fan and laser run all the time, or are they switched on only when a particle measurement is commanded? If the latter, it wouldn't surprise me if (as battery terminal voltage decreases too far) the tester would appear to be working fine, but operate strangely when the particle measurement is made.

Just before the battery went dead..i noticed the values of the left goes to 3 times and the right 20 times.

received_536031260379136.jpeg


Switching to adaptor. The values were much less and the same as prior to the burst of numbers.

received_192017358546218.jpeg


The voltage of the 6 pcs AA direct without the unit is 6.8 volts ( so each battery about 1.1 v)

received_1428867633954274.jpeg


Can you give examples of other devices that temporarily malfunction when voltage is very low.

Is the following another way to measure the amperage. I don't use cardboard but connect the negative lead of the multimeter to the negative of the battery pack and the positive of the multimeter to the the negative of the plug? The positive of the battery pack is connected to the positive of the plug.

received_131275234780302.jpeg


But when i plugged the Dylos. It boots with dim lcd and then go off. It means the voltage is not sufficient anymore. The ampere seems to read 300ma plus quickly instead of 270ma. Next time when i get new AA battery. Ill try to get the ampere to see if it would be below 270ma. Meanwhile I am using the 5v to 9v usb adapter and powerbank for quick reading.
 
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  • #39
chirhone said:
Meanwhile I am using the 5v to 9v usb adapter and powerbank for quick reading.
That broken adapter is bugging me for a while already. Could you please tell me the capacity of that powerbank?

If the product is just half decent, then there is no way it could break down so easily - unless it's about the dropping input voltage. Your device requires only (270mA @ 9V) 2.5W: to exceed the maximal input current of the adapter (supposed to be around 2.5A at least) requires the voltage on the powerbank to drop around 1V.
Still not a good explanation, since the protection should kick in way faster than that, but maybe an underdesigned, protectionless powerbank is a more probable...
 
  • #40
Rive said:
That broken adapter is bugging me for a while already. Could you please tell me the capacity of that powerbank?

If the product is just half decent, then there is no way it could break down so easily - unless it's about the dropping input voltage. Your device requires only (270mA @ 9V) 2.5W: to exceed the maximal input current of the adapter (supposed to be around 2.5A at least) requires the voltage on the powerbank to drop around 1V.
Still not a good explanation, since the protection should kick in way faster than that, but maybe an underdesigned, protectionless powerbank is a more probable...

Hmm. Well. To summarize. I have 2 pcs of the 5v to 9v adapter. 1st got busted after 15 mins of use. So i only use it for 5 mins now when outside. Here is my powerbank.

received_194267228606605.jpeg


Here is my power meter without anything plugged in:

received_893625424413311.jpeg


Here is with the jameco adaptor not plugged into the unit (1.3watts):

received_1004119879966666.jpeg


When i plugged it to the dylos but not turning on the unit, its consuming some power 2.3 watts):

received_536087653930047.jpeg


Here is when i turned on the unit 4.9watts):

received_2628596944037952.jpeg
 
  • #41
chirhone said:
Hmm. Well. To summarize. I have 2 pcs of the 5v to 9v adapter. 1st got busted after 15 mins of use. So i only use it for 5 mins now when outside. Here is my powerbank.
9Ah should be able to supply that thing for hours. Was it plugged in the 2A output?
 
  • #42
Rive said:
9Ah should be able to supply that thing for hours. Was it plugged in the 2A output?

Yup. Maybe the 5v to 9v usb adapter is only rated for 200mA.
 
  • #43
Not likely. The page you linked before has mentions for far higher loads, managed successfully.
 
  • #44
Rive said:
Not likely. The page you linked before has mentions for far higher loads, managed successfully.

My 1st adaptor shows only 4.8V just like in the following amazon comment:

"Woked fine at first, but after a couple of hours running about a strip of about 20 white 12V LEDs (very small load), it now outputs only 4.8V to the barrel connector, and moving the switch doesn't change anything."

The seller replied: "If the current is too large, it will generate too much heat and thus cause burnout."

Anyway i tried to connect the multimeter to measure the ampere in the powerbank and 5v to 9v adapter. Should one put it in series in the positive or negative of the 5v to 9v adaptor? I put it in the negative of it and the unit is not booting up. Only when connected without multimeter does it power up. I used the right connections or lead taps.
 
  • #45
chirhone said:
My 1st adaptor shows only 4.8V just like in the following amazon comment:

"Woked fine at first, but after a couple of hours running about a strip of about 20 white 12V LEDs (very small load), it now outputs only 4.8V to the barrel connector, and moving the switch doesn't change anything."

The seller replied: "If the current is too large, it will generate too much heat and thus cause burnout."

Anyway i tried to connect the multimeter to measure the ampere in the powerbank and 5v to 9v adapter. Should one put it in series in the positive or negative of the 5v to 9v adaptor? I put it in the negative of it and the unit is not booting up. Only when connected without multimeter does it power up. I used the right connections or lead taps.

I got this new toy to test your 5v to 9v adapter:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B076GPFBCQ/?tag=pfamazon01-20

41wMXyQvSGL._AC_SY400_.jpg


The multimeter as ampere meter should work even if you use negative or positive terminal of the battery in series, is it not? Perhaps something wrong with my multimeter.
 
  • #46
chirhone said:
Can you give examples of other devices that temporarily malfunction when voltage is very low.

My Maglight (LED version) has a sharp cutoff between low (yet acceptable) light output to completely off when the batteries are low. Computers do bad things when supply voltages are low; exactly what these bad things are depends upon the computer, but include memory corruption, locking up, continuously rebooting, starting to boot then shutting down, and so on. An industrial PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) is likely to lose it's program if it is turned off and the memory back-up battery is low. Many such examples of low voltage issues exist.

Is the following another way to measure the amperage. I don't use cardboard but connect the negative lead of the multimeter to the negative of the battery pack and the positive of the multimeter to the the negative of the plug? The positive of the battery pack is connected to the positive of the plug.
Yes. In fact, it is the preferred method. The "cell isolation" technique I outlined has one pro (it doesn't involve cutting into the wiring), but among it's cons is awkwardness.
chirhone said:
Just before the battery went dead..i noticed the values of the left goes to 3 times and the right 20 times.
Readout numbers on the left are small particle, and those on the right are the large particle count. The following is pure guesswork, but (provided the fan voltage supply, thus fan speed, is regulated)
when supply voltage drops below the point where that regulator no longer functions, the previously fixed fan speed will slow down to track with the reduction in supply voltage. Slowing the fan reduces both air volume and velocity through the test chamber.

From what I've recently read regarding laser-based particle count schemes, they determine particle count and size based on how many times the laser beam to photoreceiver path is blocked (count), and how much time it takes until the beam is sensed again (an indication of particle size). The unusual increase in large particle count due to low supply voltage would be consistent with a reduction in fan speed leading to reduced air velocity, and increasing the amount of time particles block the laser beam.

chirhone said:
But when i plugged the Dylos. It boots with dim lcd and then go off. It means the voltage is not sufficient anymore. The ampere seems to read 300ma plus quickly instead of 270ma. Next time when i get new AA battery. Ill try to get the ampere to see if it would be below 270ma. Meanwhile I am using the 5v to 9v usb adapter and powerbank for quick reading.

chirhone said:
The voltage of the 6 pcs AA direct without the unit is 6.8 volts ( so each battery about 1.1 v)

This observation suggests when battery open circuit voltage has dropped to 6.8V it is enough voltage to get the computer running, and (just barely) power the LCD display, but when the computer commands the laser and/or fan to turn on (increasing current demand decrease battery voltage) the voltage drops below what the computer needs to operate, and it shuts off.

You might observe a brief time of 300 mA+ current every time the unit is powered up. A fan requires more current to bring it up from zero speed to normal running speed (typically, one second or less) than it does to maintain normal running speed.
 
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  • #47
chirhone said:
Perhaps something wrong with my multimeter.
Current measurement at low range is usually through a fuse. Check the value/status - it is likely you smoked it.

Based on the story so far I still insist you request a replacement for the adapter. They said it should be OK for 1.1A at 9V: and there was no time limit mentioned.
 
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  • #48
chirhone said:
Is the following another way to measure the amperage. I don't use cardboard but connect the negative lead of the multimeter to the negative of the battery pack and the positive of the multimeter to the the negative of the plug? The positive of the battery pack is connected to the positive of the plug.

View attachment 256920
The meter leads are reversed, and account for your negative current reading.

The (+) ammeter lead should be connected to the (-) lead from the battery pack, and (-) ammeter lead connected to the load.
 
  • #49
Rive said:
Current measurement at low range is usually through a fuse. Check the value/status - it is likely you smoked it.

You are right. The multimeter fuse is blown. I think something in the 5v to 9v adapter cause a surge to blow the fuse when the dylos was turned on. Anyway do you know a 5.5mm plug version of this so i can insert it between the jameco plug and dylos?

41wMXyQvSGL._AC_SY400_.jpg


Based on the story so far I still insist you request a replacement for the adapter. They said it should be OK for 1.1A at 9V: and there was no time limit mentioned.

In a few sentences and from memory, can you share how exactly 5v is made to convert to 9v? Thanks.
 
  • #50
chirhone said:
You are right. The multimeter fuse is blown. I think something in the 5v to 9v adapter cause a surge to blow the fuse when the dylos was turned on. Anyway do you know a 5.5mm plug version of this so i can insert it between the jameco plug and dylos?

View attachment 256953
In a few sentences and from memory, can you share how exactly 5v is made to convert to 9v? Thanks.
I replaced the fuse in the multimeter and measured the amperage of the 5v to 9v adapter. It measured 269mA. The powerbank itself seems to maintain 5v pretty well even when 20% level only. Something AA batteries can't do?

received_182252393026327.jpeg
 
  • #51
chirhone said:
The powerbank itself seems to maintain 5v pretty well even when 20% level only. Something AA batteries can't do?
The powerbank probably hides direct battery voltage information in favor of a discharge status percentage.
It is a DC-DC converter built around a battery, for instance, a 3.7V Li-Ion, and a specialized chip designed to correctly charge the battery and provide a regulated output voltage when in use.

In this case, your powerbank will deliver 5 VDC output from 100% to 0% charge "level" as the terminal voltage of the internal battery pack drops from 3.7V to whatever reduced battery voltage the powerbank designer decided to consider 0% charge.
 
  • #52
chirhone said:
The powerbank itself seems to maintain 5v pretty well even when 20% level only.
As @Asymptotic said, the powerbank has some internal electronics to maintain stable output voltage (and provide protection): so the remaining only suspect of the trouble is the converter. It is perfectly justified to request a replacement (if you decide to do so).

chirhone said:
In a few sentences and from memory, can you share how exactly 5v is made to convert to 9v? Thanks.
That's not just a few sentences. For this application what (not how, but: what) it does is to conserve power (with some losses): Iout * Uout /0.8= Iin * Uin
 
  • #53
Rive said:
As @Asymptotic said, the powerbank has some internal electronics to maintain stable output voltage (and provide protection): so the remaining only suspect of the trouble is the converter. It is perfectly justified to request a replacement (if you decide to do so).That's not just a few sentences. For this application what (not how, but: what) it does is to conserve power (with some losses): Iout * Uout /0.8= Iin * Uin

received_645580269521088.jpeg


The one on top is the busted one showing only 4.9v at either 9v or 12v. It should display 9 or 12. Not 4.9. I have to prove to manufacturer i didnt overload it. But bought each direct from china market for only $3 each. Shipping it back may cost $20.
 
  • #54
chirhone said:
The one on top is the busted one showing only 4.9v at either 9v or 12v.
That's a common failure mode for boost converters: what's coming in will go out without any 'boost' (with some slight voltage drop). If you can identify the controller chip then you might attempt a repair (needs sufficient skills).

chirhone said:
Shipping it back may cost $20.
That's why I said replacement and not return :wink:
It's entirely up to you.
 
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  • #55
Asymptotic said:
My Maglight (LED version) has a sharp cutoff between low (yet acceptable) light output to completely off when the batteries are low. Computers do bad things when supply voltages are low; exactly what these bad things are depends upon the computer, but include memory corruption, locking up, continuously rebooting, starting to boot then shutting down, and so on. An industrial PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) is likely to lose it's program if it is turned off and the memory back-up battery is low. Many such examples of low voltage issues exist.
Yes. In fact, it is the preferred method. The "cell isolation" technique I outlined has one pro (it doesn't involve cutting into the wiring), but among it's cons is awkwardness.Readout numbers on the left are small particle, and those on the right are the large particle count. The following is pure guesswork, but (provided the fan voltage supply, thus fan speed, is regulated)

when supply voltage drops below the point where that regulator no longer functions, the previously fixed fan speed will slow down to track with the reduction in supply voltage. Slowing the fan reduces both air volume and velocity through the test chamber.From what I've recently read regarding laser-based particle count schemes, they determine particle count and size based on how many times the laser beam to photoreceiver path is blocked (count), and how much time it takes until the beam is sensed again (an indication of particle size). The unusual increase in large particle count due to low supply voltage would be consistent with a reduction in fan speed leading to reduced air velocity, and increasing the amount of time particles block the laser beam.
But even if it increases the amount of time particles block the laser beam, it should count lesser particles not 20 times more.

I want to focus now how laser based pm2.5 works in details. I am looking for paper or website that shows the full details which can include 16 channel GRIMM monitors that costs $25000.

I saw this in this page.

20200212_213432.jpg


https://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?depth=1&hl=nl&nv=1&rurl=translate.google.com&sl=nl&sp=nmt4&tl=en&u=https://www.fijnstofmeter.com/&xid=17259,15700021,15700043,15700186,15700191,15700259,15700271&usg=ALkJrhhlB_KukvpqefBEht4SEM4T9t9xvw

"How does a particulate matter meter work?

A particulate matter meter / particle counter works on the basis of the 'light scattering' or 'light blocking' principle. The air is passed through a measuring chamber through a fan. A laser beam illuminates the particles. The light that comes in contact with a particle is absorbed or scattered in specific directions. The direction of scattering is characteristic of the size of the particle, whereby the particle counter is able to determine the number of particles of a specific size."

This observation suggests when battery open circuit voltage has dropped to 6.8V it is enough voltage to get the computer running, and (just barely) power the LCD display, but when the computer commands the laser and/or fan to turn on (increasing current demand decrease battery voltage) the voltage drops below what the computer needs to operate, and it shuts off.You might observe a brief time of 300 mA+ current every time the unit is powered up. A fan requires more current to bring it up from zero speed to normal running speed (typically, one second or less) than it does to maintain normal running speed.
 

Attachments

  • 20200212_213432.jpg
    20200212_213432.jpg
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  • #56
chirhone said:
But even if it increases the amount of time particles block the laser beam, it should count lesser particles not 20 times more.

I want to focus now how laser based pm2.5 works in details. I am looking for paper or website that shows the full details which can include 16 channel GRIMM monitors that costs $25000.

I saw this in this page.

View attachment 256993

https://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?depth=1&hl=nl&nv=1&rurl=translate.google.com&sl=nl&sp=nmt4&tl=en&u=https://www.fijnstofmeter.com/&xid=17259,15700021,15700043,15700186,15700191,15700259,15700271&usg=ALkJrhhlB_KukvpqefBEht4SEM4T9t9xvw

"How does a particulate matter meter work?

A particulate matter meter / particle counter works on the basis of the 'light scattering' or 'light blocking' principle. The air is passed through a measuring chamber through a fan. A laser beam illuminates the particles. The light that comes in contact with a particle is absorbed or scattered in specific directions. The direction of scattering is characteristic of the size of the particle, whereby the particle counter is able to determine the number of particles of a specific size."
You probably want to start another thread to discuss the inner workings of air particle testers. It strays far afield of the original subject of this one ("9V 0.5A battery pack").

I'd be in the same boat as you regarding answers on this question. The sum total of what I know about them was picked up along the way while researching how the Dylos is powered.
 
  • #57
Rive said:
That's a common failure mode for boost converters: what's coming in will go out without any 'boost' (with some slight voltage drop). If you can identify the controller chip then you might attempt a repair (needs sufficient skills).That's why I said replacement and not return :wink:
It's entirely up to you.

How accurate do you think is this?

41wMXyQvSGL._AC_SY400_.jpg


I bought one and tried it on the 5v-9v adapter and dylos. But it showed 490ma instead of 269ma I measured using a multimeter.

received_1053861264984550.jpeg


Showing 490ma instead of 269ma using multimeter

received_182252393026327.jpeg


Without any load, the usb ammeter is showing 0. Is it simply not accurate to show 490ma instead of 267ma?

received_649985435757225.jpeg
 
  • #58
chirhone said:
Is it simply not accurate to show 490ma instead of 267ma?
You are measuring 0.49 amps at 4.96V from the powerbank, and 9.1V at 267 mA output from the 5-9V boost converter to the Dylos load.

4.96V*0.49A = 2.43 watts
9.1V*0.267A = 2.42 watts

These power values agree to approximately 0.5%.
 
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  • #59
Asymptotic said:
You are measuring 0.49 amps at 4.96V from the powerbank, and 9.1V at 267 mA output from the 5-9V boost converter to the Dylos load.

4.96V*0.49A = 2.43 watts
9.1V*0.267A = 2.42 watts

These power values agree to approximately 0.5%.

Thanks. I didnt think of it. I thought it was simply unaccurate for small amperage. Now I am waiting for this connector from china.

20200215_134850.jpg


Ill plug the jameco adaptor to its 5.5mm female. Then connect the usb ammeter to the above. And then use this to connect to the dylos.

It will work isn't it? This is to get the voltage and ampere from the jameco adaptor and unit itself.

20200215_134926.jpg
 
  • #60
chirhone said:
Thanks. I didnt think of it. I thought it was simply unaccurate for small amperage. Now I am waiting for this connector from china.

View attachment 257113

Ill plug the jameco adaptor to its 5.5mm female. Then connect the usb ammeter to the above. And then use this to connect to the dylos.

It will work isn't it? This is to get the voltage and ampere from the jameco adaptor and unit itself.

View attachment 257114
Make a sketch of what you intend to do. If I'm following what you are saying I think the answer is no.
 
  • #61
Asymptotic said:
Make a sketch of what you intend to do. If I'm following what you are saying I think the answer is no.

usb question.jpg


Why won't it work? I already have the male plug/USB in green and USB detector. I tested using continuity tester the outside plug of the green is negative with respect to the USB pins standard. I'm just awaiting the female USB connector (unless this polarity is reverse but conventional is negative is always the outside of the plug).
 
  • #62
chirhone said:
View attachment 257115

Why won't it work? I already have the male plug/USB in green and USB detector. I tested using continuity tester the outside plug of the green is negative with respect to the USB pins standard. I'm just awaiting the female USB connector (unless this polarity is reverse but conventional is negative is always the outside of the plug).
This monitor isn't the one picture in earlier posts #45 and #49. If this Keweisi is the one you have

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06X6K7NK9/?tag=pfamazon01-20

it lists specifications of:
. Input voltage : 3.0 - 9.0V
. Measuring current: 0.00 -3.00a

Unloaded, the Jameco supply voltage will be about 13.7V, and approximately 11V at 270 mA load. I don't know what the USB Detector will do if supplied substantially more than 9V. Provided it isn't damaged, voltage display is in x.xx format with what appears to be a fixed decimal point, and is at best is capable of displaying up to 9.99V
 
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  • #63
Asymptotic said:
This monitor isn't the one picture in earlier posts #45 and #49. If this Keweisi is the one you have

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06X6K7NK9/?tag=pfamazon01-20

it lists specifications of:
. Input voltage : 3.0 - 9.0V
. Measuring current: 0.00 -3.00a

Unloaded, the Jameco supply voltage will be about 13.7V, and approximately 11V at 270 mA load. I don't know what the USB Detector will do if supplied substantially more than 9V. Provided it isn't damaged, voltage display is in x.xx format with what appears to be a fixed decimal point, and is at best is capable of displaying up to 9.99V

Thanks. I didnt think of the voltage limit. Checking this exact product i got

https://www.lazada.com.ph/products/digital-led-usb-charger-tester-amp-ma-charge-current-volt-meter-monitor-gauge-intl-i128640716-s138744448.html?dsource=share&laz_share_info=22615686_5_100_500042076257_15656003_null&laz_token=2f0e1830ecb3fb1494a00aa992bcdad7

I saw the voltage is only up to 8v! Thanks for the warning. I won't try it anymore. Do you know a similar configuration with larger voltage range? At least i could make use of the usb male and female connector by connecting my multimeter to the male below in the picture by cutting one wire of the pair. It would work either one of the pair when measuring ampere with the multimeter? Thank you.
 
  • #64
chirhone said:
Thanks. I didnt think of the voltage limit. Checking this exact product i got

https://www.lazada.com.ph/products/digital-led-usb-charger-tester-amp-ma-charge-current-volt-meter-monitor-gauge-intl-i128640716-s138744448.html?dsource=share&laz_share_info=22615686_5_100_500042076257_15656003_null&laz_token=2f0e1830ecb3fb1494a00aa992bcdad7

I saw the voltage is only up to 8v! Thanks for the warning. I won't try it anymore. Do you know a similar configuration with larger voltage range? At least i could make use of the usb male and female connector by connecting my multimeter to the male below in the picture by cutting one wire of the pair. It would work either one of the pair when measuring ampere with the multimeter? Thank you.

About the link above. The actual unit shipped to me is the same one in your amazon link. Tnx for the real spec of up to 9v. I guess i can use it with the 6 pcs of AA for 9v and see if i can add one more 1.5v aa (without connecting it to the unit).

received_823271988184552.jpeg
 
  • #65
Asymptotic said:
You are measuring 0.49 amps at 4.96V from the powerbank, and 9.1V at 267 mA output from the 5-9V boost converter to the Dylos load.

4.96V*0.49A = 2.43 watts
9.1V*0.267A = 2.42 watts

These power values agree to approximately 0.5%.

The multimeter reads 0.269A, not 0.267A. But after 10 seconds using the USB ammeter, it gets steady at 0.50A so the wattage is still close between the 2 testers.

Now let's combine the concepts in powerbanks, AA battery and AC charger. You wrote in message #30

"270 mA at 6.84V is 1.85 watts.

270 mA is a fairly high current draw for AA alkaline cells, and will provide about 7.4 hours service life at 270 mA continuous demand at 21°C per the Eveready E91 spec sheet."

The AA battery reads 270mA at 6.84.
The powerbank reads 269mA at 4.96v.

This is why i thought the unit draws 270mA constant. That's why I thought the 0,49A in the USB ammeter was wrong at 4.96V because i thought it should be a constant 270mA.

So is the 270mA at 6.84 using AA above and 269mA using USB meter at 4.96v above just a coincidence??

About the ac adaptor. You wrote in one site, it was reported at 220mA and this would give voltage of about 11v + (I read the entire thread many times to comprehend everything you said). I understand this current value is for the particular adaptor and not related to the current values in the powerbank and AA battery, right?

About the AC adaptor. I won't find a separate USB-like ammeter because I just need to know the voltage and current values once and the male and female usb connectors can give me means to measure it once.

Btw... i found an old NiMH energizer charger in my old things and I think it still works. It has this specs:

http://www.emtcompany.com/energizer-chp41us-battery-charger/101322337.html

Do you believe that the USB ammeter can find great use in the AA battery pack to monitor when voltage gets down from 9v to 6v (discharge voltage)?

Let's wrap up all this battery thing for the Dylos because amazon has just refunded my cheap inaccurate china multi pollution meter today (see 1st msg in https://www.physicsforums.com/threa...ion-particulates-2-5-microns-or-below.983287/ ), giving me a go ahead to buy separate accurate monitors for Co2, and TVOC.

Appreciated so much all your battery tips. I can apply them to my Co2 and Tvoc testers if they don't use batteries. Thanks.
 
Last edited:
  • #66
Asymptotic said:
You are measuring 0.49 amps at 4.96V from the powerbank, and 9.1V at 267 mA output from the 5-9V boost converter to the Dylos load.

4.96V*0.49A = 2.43 watts
9.1V*0.267A = 2.42 watts

These power values agree to approximately 0.5%.

To illustrate my questions in my previous message. Consider your message number 22:

"It is unregulated, and when the Jameco supply is operated with less than 500 mA load, output voltage will be higher than 9V. If the Dylos draws 220 mA (as indicated in the review article) power supply output voltage will be on the order of 11.6 volts. Measure it.

1580942971414-png.png

"

Notice your 220ma times 11.6v = 2.554v. It's not the same as in your 2.43 watts result from the powerbank. This was what I meant whether the wattage in the adaptor is related to the wattage in the powerbank.

Or is it the adaptor and powerbank should have separate total wattage as seen by the product?

As for the AA battery. I assume it can't maintain constant power because it discharges or has no regulator like the powerbank.

Also where did you get the figure above? I couldn't find it in the jameco pdf file for the product.

Thank you,
 
  • #67
Asymptotic said:
You are measuring 0.49 amps at 4.96V from the powerbank, and 9.1V at 267 mA output from the 5-9V boost converter to the Dylos load.

4.96V*0.49A = 2.43 watts
9.1V*0.267A = 2.42 watts

These power values agree to approximately 0.5%.
received_148260352874789.jpeg


received_2731677047061237.jpeg


I finally measured the voltage and ampere of the jameco adaptor as you suggested. It's 10.36v and -269.9mA (see pictures above). Power is about 2.8watt. It's different from the powerbank 2.43watt. Conclusion? power is dependent on the source? Note the 6 pcs of AA battery measured also 270mA but 6.84v.

I connected the positive of the lead to the negative of the jameco adaptor terminal, why the display showed -269.9mA with negative? My last measurement will be the 6 pcs AA battery pack but for now they are all discharged already. Thanks for all tips.
 
  • #68
chirhone said:
I finally measured the voltage and ampere of the jameco adaptor as you suggested. It's 10.36v and -269.9mA
...
Note the 6 pcs of AA battery measured also 270mA but 6.84v.
Well, that's a bit disappointing.

There are two basic types of voltage regulators: DCDC converters: this type is used in that USB-to-9V converter. This type keeps power as constant: you could observe that. The second type is 'linear regulator' , which keeps only current as constant: the one in your device seems to be this type. Although this type sometimes cheaper, especially in this low power range, it works with relatively high losses (the loss depends on the input voltage).

There is no consequence, just a remark.

By the way, based on the behavior of that regulator there is a high chance that your device would be able to work directly from USB - in case you would dare to disassemble and modify it o0)
 
  • Skeptical
Likes davenn
  • #69
Rive said:
Well, that's a bit disappointing.

There are two basic types of voltage regulators: DCDC converters: this type is used in that USB-to-9V converter. This type keeps power as constant: you could observe that. The second type is 'linear regulator' , which keeps only current as constant: the one in your device seems to be this type. Although this type sometimes cheaper, especially in this low power range, it works with relatively high losses (the loss depends on the input voltage).

There is no consequence, just a remark.

By the way, based on the behavior of that regulator there is a high chance that your device would be able to work directly from USB - in case you would dare to disassemble and modify it o0)

So that's what dc to dc converter does.. maintain power. I just realize it now and not able to absorb it before. Thanks for the tips. Btw.. I think I know why the first 5v to 9v USB adapter got busted. The other day. I left my second adaptor plugged to the unit and left in the room for 30 minutes. I almost forgot about it. when I touched the USB adaptor. It's so hot. So I guess it depends on the temperature of the location. In china or some parts of US, it's so cold so the USB doesn't overheat. In hot places, it can overheat and get busted. Remember it's not military spec. This makes sense now.

The reason I was so interested in batteries at start was because I thought different streets or buildings have different levels of pm2.5 particulate. But I went to different places and measured almost uniform levels as most were near busy street. I also invested in one of the most powerful air purifier that was why the counts above is only 200 to 300 plus. Average is 2000 to 4000 in the city.

So getting the baseline. I am getting tired using the dylos and plan to return it to amazon, but it has some scratches when I tried to plug the usb adaptor without the plastic casing. I wonder if amazon will still accept it with the scratches.
 
  • #70
Rive said:
Well, that's a bit disappointing.

There are two basic types of voltage regulators: DCDC converters: this type is used in that USB-to-9V converter. This type keeps power as constant: you could observe that. The second type is 'linear regulator' , which keeps only current as constant: the one in your device seems to be this type. Although this type sometimes cheaper, especially in this low power range, it works with relatively high losses (the loss depends on the input voltage).

Here is something puzzling. The wattage in the jameco adaptor output is 2.8w (10.36vx270mA). Powerbank is 2.43w, battery is 1.84w. If it can run it at 1.84w, the almost 1 watt is being dissipated inside the dylos or inside the jameco adaptor as heat? If inside the jameco adaptor. But i measured the wattage from the output of the adaptor.

Also for more info. Input no-load power of the adaptor is 1.3watts as shown in pictures a few days ago. Input power with load is 4.9watts.

There is no consequence, just a remark.

By the way, based on the behavior of that regulator there is a high chance that your device would be able to work directly from USB - in case you would dare to disassemble and modify it o0)
 
<h2>1. What is the difference between a 9V battery pack and a regular battery pack?</h2><p>A 9V battery pack is specifically designed to provide a constant output voltage of 9V, while a regular battery pack may have varying output voltages depending on the type and number of batteries used.</p><h2>2. Can any type of battery be used to create a 9V 0.5A output?</h2><p>No, not all batteries are capable of providing a 9V output. Some common types of batteries that can be used to create a 9V 0.5A output include 9V alkaline batteries, 9V lithium batteries, and 9V rechargeable batteries.</p><h2>3. Is it safe to use a battery pack with a higher output than 9V 0.5A?</h2><p>No, it is not safe to use a battery pack with a higher output than what is recommended for your device. This can cause damage to the device and potentially be a safety hazard.</p><h2>4. How long will a 9V battery pack last powering a device with a 9V 0.5A output?</h2><p>The lifespan of a 9V battery pack will vary depending on the type and quality of the batteries used, as well as the power consumption of the device. Generally, a 9V battery pack can last anywhere from a few hours to several days.</p><h2>5. Can multiple battery packs be connected to power a device with a 9V 0.5A output?</h2><p>Yes, multiple battery packs can be connected in series or parallel to increase the output voltage or current, respectively. However, it is important to ensure that the total output does not exceed the recommended 9V 0.5A for the device.</p>

1. What is the difference between a 9V battery pack and a regular battery pack?

A 9V battery pack is specifically designed to provide a constant output voltage of 9V, while a regular battery pack may have varying output voltages depending on the type and number of batteries used.

2. Can any type of battery be used to create a 9V 0.5A output?

No, not all batteries are capable of providing a 9V output. Some common types of batteries that can be used to create a 9V 0.5A output include 9V alkaline batteries, 9V lithium batteries, and 9V rechargeable batteries.

3. Is it safe to use a battery pack with a higher output than 9V 0.5A?

No, it is not safe to use a battery pack with a higher output than what is recommended for your device. This can cause damage to the device and potentially be a safety hazard.

4. How long will a 9V battery pack last powering a device with a 9V 0.5A output?

The lifespan of a 9V battery pack will vary depending on the type and quality of the batteries used, as well as the power consumption of the device. Generally, a 9V battery pack can last anywhere from a few hours to several days.

5. Can multiple battery packs be connected to power a device with a 9V 0.5A output?

Yes, multiple battery packs can be connected in series or parallel to increase the output voltage or current, respectively. However, it is important to ensure that the total output does not exceed the recommended 9V 0.5A for the device.

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