Charging using 120V power supply in Europe?

Forum 2005-2010 (read only) General Bar Sport
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Hey everyone, sorry for a little offtopic of arduino forum but I hope it doesn't matter that much in this section.

I bought a RC helicopter in USA without checking the power supply. Every single one I own, bought in Europe, works with both 120 and 230V but this one is only for 120V. I do not have a voltage converter and don't want to buy one just because of this.

So I need to find a way to make my own supply, sort of. The original one says: input: 120V AC 60Hz 90mA, output: 6V DC 450mA.
It has a LED to indicate full charge and a 2 connector.

I looked through some old power supplies I have around and found one with 5V 700mA output. From what I know the higher current doesn't matter, it will only use as much as it needs.

I'm thinking about cutting of the connector and putting it on this supply, but I have 2 problems:

1 - There is no marking of polarity on the original. The casing is sealed and I don't want to break it, in case everything else fails and I buy a voltage converter. Can I just guess and if nothing happens plug it in the other way? I would say there must be a diode somewhere in there.

2 - The helicopter doesn't have charging indicator, only the power supply does. I guess it monitors the current flowing and if it drops under a certain level it's considered charged. Can I run it through an ampere meter?

BTW, I have an Arduino Duemilanove, if it is of any help. It has a 5V output but I would rather make a permanent supply instead of wiring it every time.

Thank you in advance for reading through and finding a minute to help :slight_smile:

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Based on what I read in and between the lines, I would not do there! Chargers are usually made with current limiters in order to protect the battery. Your charger is made to work with your helicopter, and if you are not exactly sure what you are doing,you risk damaging your toy. A voltage converter on the AC side is much simpler and safer. They should not cost too much, as they basically consist of a transformator.

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I know, the question is how much is in the adapter and helicopter. The adapter says just "power supply" so the limiter etc. should be in the heli, however I can't be sure.

I know they are not that expensive, but the helicopter itself was cheaper than most of them :slight_smile: Also I couldn't find one in store and would have to wait for eshop delivery.

Thank you anyway, I guess I won't risk burning it.