A/C Power Supply Help

[Leocat66]

Electrically Challenged here.

We have a good time radio with CD player on the boat. It runs on 8 D cell batteries or a 110 power adapter. The unit is no longer available and I have not been able find info on the a/c adapter, which is now in the possession of Davey Jones. The unit works well on batteries but not much longevity when using the CD player. I have tried several 12 V power supplies, which I have, ranging from 500 milliamp to 2 amps output. They all work the radio but none seem to have the power to turn the CD player. There is a sticker on the unit indicating that the CD requires a certain constant power in order to prevent skipping.

Does anyone know how many amps 8 D cells produce? Is it simply a matter of choosing an A/C adapter with the same Amp output of the batteries?

[LakeSuperiorGeezer]

The D size alkaline battery is good for 17000 milli-amp hours or 17 amp-hours. Battery energy storage in various battery sizes Divide the 17-amp-hours by the number of hours the CD runs on 8 cells and you get an approximate size of the power supply that is needed. I am surprised it takes so many amperes since I have a portable CD with earphones that uses two AA batteries.

[noelex77]

I am very surprised 2A was not enough.
If it needs 12V DC wire up suitable plug to a cig lighter. The boat battery will provide all the current the player needs.
The voltage will be slightly higher than required when the boat battery is charging,. This is unlikely to cause any problems, but there is a small risk it will damage the unit. If you use an unregulated 12v wall adapter you are taking the same, or greater risk anyway.

[Leocat66]

Thank you for the replies.

I guess I will go by Radio Shack and ask there or pick up 8 new D cells and let them run as long as possible, then do the math, to determine the exact longevity. I have tried several Power Supplies but have been reluctant to go above 12 volts.

Today I tried again with a 2 AMP supply and the CD made some noise and would move a little with a slight push, but would not keep running. The unit is old but in excellent condition, and also has a Cassette player which has not responded either, as of yet.

It was a gift from my wife and therefore I will make every attempt to find an answer. It came from SAM'S and is one of the SPIRIT OF ST. LOUIS editions, in the wooden cabinet.

[neverknow]

Look here for info on the batteries.

D battery - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

You can always find/make a battery eliminator to replace the D cells. Than use the 12VDC adapter.

How to Make Battery Eliminators - wikiHow

Keep in mind that just because the unit uses 8 x 1.5volt cells that doesn't mean the DC plug on the side was not some other voltage. You might even be over powering it. It might be designed to use the 8 large cells for the capacity rather than the voltage. They can always step the voltage down inside the unit.

Can you give us the make and model of the unit? Maybe we can do some research and find one just like it some where? Are there any specs on the case anywhere? Be sure to look closely as many times the voltage specs can be small and simply molded into the plastic case.

[neverknow]

Is yours like this one?

Spirit of St Louis SOSL Field Boom Box CD Cassette Radio Retro Airman Boombox | eBay

[Leocat66]

Yes Neverknow, exactly the one. Today I plan to attempt to contact the seller to see if he will check the adapter for me, as most of them show the voltage, and polarity, and amp. info. on the back.

[Leocat66]

Thanks all for the info. and advice. I have been messing with this unit for a week or so and have tried several adapters, as you know. Just this morning, for no apparent reason, it started working on a 2amp adapter, one which I had tried before with negative results. It has been running for about 1/2 hour or so. Gremlins at work here it seems, or maybe the CD device was stuck or something.

Again, thank you all for your input and interest in my minor problem!