Okay, this is not really something that I would normally post to
".components" - but there are so few usenet groups left active (and I
can't
find anything on the web).
I've got an old Dustbuster DB800 that uses those NiCd Versapak cartridge
battery packs. The wall wart charger (which is hardwired to the DB wall
mount) says 4.35 Vdc, 450 ma. But I check it, and no DC out. Further,
more checking reveals it puts out about 12V AC (no load). Hmmm... shorted
diode rectifier?
So I cut it open - no rectifier at all. JUST A TRANSFORMER. No wonder it
puts out AC. Rectifier must be in the DB itself. Take it apart. Nope!
Direct connection from the transformer to the batteries. Tested
transformer - just a few ohms winding resistance, no "hidden" diode.
So what's the deal? Do these "Versapak" batteries from Black & Decker
have
a built-in rectifier? They say 3.6 Vdc on them, which would be 3 sub-C
cells with no diode drop. Any idea what gives???
-----------------------------------------------
James M. Knox
TriSoft ph 512-385-0316
1300 Koenig Lane West fax 512-371-5716
Suite 200
Austin, Tx 78756 jknox@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
