TRIKLITS Battery Power Info

Here is a little bit of info on running the Triklits on battery power. We use Jameco and Radio Shack as an example of where to get parts and what they look like. Jameco is good for mail orders.

Connector

The connector to the Triklits control box is a round pin style power jack. The inside pin diameter is 2.1mm and the outside connector diameter is 5.5mm. You will need a female plug to connect power such as Jameco P/N 28759CM or Radio Shack 274-1569 .

You will need to solder wires to the inside of this connector. Make sure you solder the positive (red) wire to the center pin of the connector and the ground (black) wire to the outside conductor. We also recommend putting a little electrical tape around the red wire solder connection to make sure it doesn't touch the ground (black) wire.

Batteries

The power source you use will depend on how long you want the lights to run for. The Triklits use a lot of power. With 24 lights on a string there are actually 72 individual LEDs to power. The amount of power needed will vary depending on what patterns you select. Here are a few suggestions.

Use 8 AA size batteries. These could be alkaline (1.5v) or possibly rechargeable NiMH type (these only output 1.2v each and we have not tried them yet). 8 AA alkaline batteries will run the Triklits for about 3 hours.
If you use AA batteries we suggest a battery holder such as Jameco P/N 216258PS and Radio Shack 270-407
They have a "9v" snap connector on them. Then you can make a short adapter cable that goes from a "9v" snap connector Jameco P/N 11279PS and Radio Shack 270-325 to the Triklits power connector. If you use the 9v snap connector, always attach it to the battery pack before plugging the other end into the Triklits. This will keep you from accidently hooking it up backwards and killing your lights.

If you want something longer lasting you could try making a battery pack from 8 C or D cell size batteries. You will probably need to wire up two 4-cell holders in series to get 12v.
Use a 12vdc SLA (sealed lead-acid battery). These are large, heavy, rechargeable batteries. You will need to figure out how to charge them. A 12v 7AH size battery will run the lights for about 10+ hours. This battery weighs 5.6lbs. You could also use larger or smaller capacity sizes.
An example of such a battery is Jameco P/N 264057CM
If you get an SLA battery you will need crimp-on quick connect terminals to attach to the battery such as Jameco P/N 106921CM . You can then make an adapter cable that goes from the round connector for the Triklits to the quick connect battery terminals.
Run off your car battery. An assembled cable that plugs into your cigarette lighter jack and has the right connector for the Triklits is available from Jameco P/N 364138CM and Radio Shack 27-1594

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