Converting a Battery toy to an AC/DC Adapter

[Unimatic1140]

Somebody in Applianceville might know the answer to this question...

I recently got a large size Suzy Homemaker Toy washer, just like I had as a kid. It took three years of begging my parents, but I finally got it one 1972.

Anyway, the toy takes 4 D sized batteries. Since D batteries are 1.5 volts a piece, if I want to convert the washer to a plug in module, do I simply add up the volts 1.5 + 4 = 6 volts and use a 120 volt AC to 6 volt DC adapter???

 

[bobofhollywood]

transformer

Yep, that'll work fine, Robert.

I've done that a number of times to vintage battery operated devices.

In your case, the polarity will not be catastrophic if you get it reversed...your washer will just agitate or tumble in the wrong direction.

4 batteries is indeed 6 volts.

Have Fun, Suzy...and Thanks again for this FABULOUS site, man.
Bob

 

[Designgeek]

Be aware of the current output of the power adaptor. You need "enough but not too much." One possibility is to go to Radio Snack and ask for an adaptor that would specifically replace a stack of 4 D-cells; Radio Snack has a wide range of adaptors and chances are they have one that will work.

Also try this: Get a volt/ohm/milliammeter, and hook it up in series with the batteries to measure current flow when the machine is on. (Start with a higher range setting, then turn it to more sensitive ranges until you get a reading that's reasonably accurate.) This will give you a basis for asking for a power adaptor that can produce as much or better yet a good bit more current (excess current capacity shouldn't be harmful, up to a point).

 

[Unimatic1140]

Thanks Bob! The polarity is easy to figure out by the direction of the batteries in the holder. Hey so what would happen if I up it to 12 volts, will we have a new rev'd up, 1140rpm Suzy Homemaker washer?

 

[toggleswitch]

Don't leave home without it....

Yes, *series* connected batteries => Add voltage.

*parallel* connected batteries, more amps and longer battery life, but same voltage (i.e. 1.5v)

If all batteries are indeed in series you will need 6v.

.........and on 12v you could travel with it in your truck .*LOL*

 

[gadgetgary]

Suzy was fun......entertaining....

My sister had the washer, dishwasher and stove. Guess who played with them more than her? Wish I still had them now. Oh well, back to CAW-FEE......

And Robert: Rev up that Suzy Homemaker~!

 

[chachp]

I have the dishwasher.

And it is fun to watch. I never thought about converting it to AC/DC (just like me!!). Robert, I'd like to know how you make out and I'll have to try the same thing.

 

[jasonl]

Get a variable power supply like for an electronic workbench, but don't crank the voltage too much or you'll burn up the motor. Luckily those things aren't electronic, just wires and switches.

 

[Unimatic1140]

Well I popped home over lunch and gave it a try. First I used a 6 volt/800ma adapter and it was just like using the 4D batteries in a Suzy Homemaker washer that I remember.

Then just for fun I connected a 13.5volt/1amp dc adapter and WOW! We now have turnover in a Suzy Homemaker washer and it made SUDS! I ran it like that for about five minutes and the motor warmed slightly but it wasn't too hot. Then I put it into to spin and WOW-WOW, it even spun water out of two kitchen dish towels! Be sure to remember to do a neutral drain first, trust me, I tried a spin drain and had a the front of my shirt dripping with water and suds. Ooops.

Worse comes to worse even Radio Shack sells those toy motors so it would be an easy fix.

 

[frigilux]

What fun! If you get a few minutes, a short vid of the Suzy H. in action would certainly be entertaining, Robert. Congrats on your new acquisition.

 

[jasonl]

Now that's Robert for you. The original motor gets warm at 12v, solution: BIGGER MOTOR.

If you have time to do so, it would be nice to see a video show of it.

 

[petek]

I bought an adaptor years ago from the Rat Shack which has a slider switch on it for numerous voltages as well as a polarity switch. It also has 4 of the most common plug-ends for connecting to battery devices. I think they still sell it and it's fairly inexpensive.

 

[veg-o-matic]

What Pete said.

I'd love to have the SH washer, but all I have is the SuperOven. No lightbulbs here! Got a gen-u-wine heating element.

Ooooh. Cake, anyone?

veg

 

[panthera]

Robert,

if you used a power supply with a continuously variable voltage (at constant current output, "switching" or "regulated", not sure what they are called in the US) you could have an adjustable agitate and variable speed spin.
That would be fun to see -
Actually a video or pictures of this washer would be interesting and much appreciated.

 

[roto204]

Adjustable agitate and variable speed spin

Wow, a Suzy Homemaker Versatronic edition.

Sweet.

:-D

 

[toggleswitch]

if you used a power supply with a continuously variable volt

Rheostat?

 

[may63]

Did Someone Say Pics?

Here's my Suzy:

 

[may63]

#2

 

[may63]

#3