Substituting Wall Wart for batteries

[SavannahLion]

My daughter got this cool gizmo that plugs into the TV and plays... er.. nevermind that.

I've got a device that uses 3x C batteries. If memory serves me correctly, that amounts to 4.5v if the internals wires them serially. I haven't tested this, so I'm just speculating.

Cell phone wall warts run at about 5v. If I find a wall wart with enough amperage, wouldn't it be feasible to use three sabots in lieu of the C batteries and wire the wall wart across the sabots? I've never actually heard anybody doing this so is there something I'm missing?

[MonMotha]

I can't think of very many power topologies that would be designed for 3x C batteries that wouldn't accept a 5V wall wart reasonably safely.  Of course, I take no responsibility if it does let the magic smoke out.  You are applying a slightly higher voltage than the "design" calls for.  You might chuck a ~1-2 ohm resistor in series just in case the design relies upon the batteries' inherent ESR for something.

[HaRuMaN]

Permanent switch or temp?  If permanent, you don't need 3 sabots...  just find where the (+) and (-) feed in and wire directly to those.

[ahofle]

I do what you're suggesting all the time.  Just make sure the current is sufficient (1000mA is usually more than enough).
If you get an adjustable wallwart, they usually have a 4.5V selection already. 

Like this:
http://www.phonemerchants.com/counacad50ca.html

[SavannahLion]

Permanent switch or temp?  If permanent, you don't need 3 sabots...  just find where the (+) and (-) feed in and wire directly to those.

Temporary. If it was permanent, I would rather just hop down to the Hfe or Rat Shack and get the jack.

This may sound strange on a forum like this, but I actually abhor permanently modding electronics unless I absolutely have to. eg irreparable damage - exact replacement parts = hacking something in to make it work again.