January 24, 2014
by Carole Zangari -
Battery interrupters used to be cheap. I know I’m dating myself, but who else remembers getting them for under five bucks? They are such useful little buggers to have around so that battery-operated toys, CD players, etc can be quickly adapted for switch use. We’ve talked about adapting battery-operated toys for switch use, but you always need a battery interrupter. We were thrilled to come across this no-solder instructable for making them ourselves and figured that there have to be a few other DIY-loving prAACtical folks about there. Take a look. Direct Link: http://www.instructables.com/id/No-Solder-Battery-Interrupter/
Filed under: PrAACtical Thinking
Tagged With: battery adapter, battery interrupter, DIY
July 17, 2013
by Carole Zangari -
Professionals of a certain age (ahem) may remember when the only switch-accessible toys we had to work with were the ones we adapted ourselves. Now, of course, there are a wide range of battery-operated toys that are already switch-accessible and we can buy as many as the budget will allow. The problem is that most of us have pretty limited resources for purchasing these toys, and a quick search yielded adapted toys in a wide price range ($45.00-$250.00 USD). Buying regular (non-adapted) battery-operated toys and then adapting them yourself is another option. This video explains the principles. “Me?? Adapt a toy for switches?! But I’m not handy.” “That’s okay. You don’t have to be.” The easiest way is to use an inexpensive battery interrupter. You can purchase them in various sizes (e.g. AAA, AA, C, D) or make your own. You can learn more about battery interrupters and how to... [Read More...]
Filed under: PrAACtical Thinking
Tagged With: battery adapter, DIY, switch accessible, switches, toys