Mobile OI
 

Has anyone made a mobile OI? I mean has anyone made a mobile controller for the robot, like so we wouldn't have to be sitting next to an outlet everytime we drive the robot. I was thinking that since the adapter is 9V DC, that I could take a 9V battery and hook it up to the power input of the OI(I just don't know how), and that would power the OI instead of the adapter. I was just wondering if anyone has done this or has been thinking about it. Can it be done my way or if anyone has a better way?

Re: Mobile OI
 

*Use this info at your own risk*

Some teams have taken a 12V -> 9V cigarette lighter adapter (Radio Shack), plugged it into a Cig lighter -> clips adapter (Radio Shack) and clipped to a spare robot battery -- will run for hours.

:)

Aidan

Re: Mobile OI
 

I asked IFI this two years ago.

'12V is the max. I know that radio Shack carries a 9.6V battery pack that we
use here and at competitions. You will have to modify the connector to fit
the OI. This battery pack is like a 4-pack of AA's. Radio Shack also carries
a charger for this pack. The connector is a 2.1mm X 5.5mm.'

Courtesy of Tom Watson!

I bought a 1500maH battery pack and connector so we could run the robot in a parade.

Re: Mobile OI
 

cool thanks

Re: Mobile OI
 

Sure. Its really simple. Get yourself a 12V SLA battery from an alarm system, or any other battery you happen to have on-hand, a 9v voltage regulator chip, and either buy or cannabalize a plug. Wire it all together and you have a mobile oi.

Re: Mobile OI
 

I would advise the addition of a voltage divider between the battery and regulator. Otherwise, you might end up with a VERY toasty (and unhappy) 7809.