>I am still trying to figure out whether or not I can use one of my power >adapters on my PowerCD. Someone posted the numbers from his PowerCD adapter >as follows: > >Straight from my PowerCD AC Adapter: > >Class 2 Power Supply >P4824-1010-DC >Model No. H0037 >Input: AC 120V 60Hz 22W >Output: DC 10V , 1.0A (-)--C--(+) > > > >The adapter I'm hoping to use has the right polarity (-___C___+), but the >numbers are a bit different: > >Plug in Class 2 Transformer >INPUT: 120V 60Hz 25W >OUTPUT: 12VDC 800mA > >Do the input and output numbers have to match exactly? Are some more >important than others? Should I just resign myself to buying batteries >because it's too complicated for me to understand? > >Thanks, >Janice
Sorry, Janice, but you have to dredge up a 10V adaptor. I can't understand the polarity indicators, the way you show them, but I know it's hard to reproduce this in typing. The polarity is important: the little diagram tells you how it's set up on that particular adaptor. The (-) symbol will have a line connecting it to either a dot or the ring surrounding it. These represent the center pin (or hole on the end of the plug), and the collar (or metal shaft on the plug, with a plastic insulating collar at the tip, separating it electrically from the hole). If the center dot is positive on your ORIGINAL PowerCD wall transformer, then you must use a power adaptor with a positive center contact (the hole in the center of the plug), and of course the outside shaft (the metal barrel of the plug) is negative. And you can't use a 12VDC power adaptor to run a device that requires 10VDC. You need to find a 10VDC adaptor, rated at 1 Amp or more (1000 mA or more). I've often found orphaned power adaptors at Value Village and places like that, usually pretty cheap. Garage sales and secondhand stores are also a good bet. If you're really stuck, Radio Shack might have one, and they can help you match the exact power plug diameter and length, neither of which are standard, and which must both be right for the plug to fit properly. If the barrel is just a couple of mm too short, the darn thing will keep popping out, it's a pain. You're on the right track, and I know you'll find one if you keep hunting. I'd carry the old PowerCD adaptor in the car with you, so if you find a likely replacement, you can confirm the plug size and so on. If you find one that has the right rating (10VDC @ 1 Amp), but the plug isn't right, buy it anyway: it's easy to cut your old plug off the (presumably dead) old adaptor and splice it to the new one. You can reverse the polarity at that time, if you need to. Anyone even casually into electronics can do this, and should confirm the polarity BEFORE plugging it into your PowerCD. The good news is that your PowerCD doesn't need a special supply, so you can use one from anywhere, as long as the output is right. You can't do this with your PowerBook, for example, as most adaptors can't output anywhere near the current a PowerBook requires. Good luck in your search. -- PowerBooks is sponsored by <http://lowendmac.com/> and... Small Dog Electronics http://www.smalldog.com | Enter To Win A | -- Canon PowerShot Digital Cameras start at $299 | Free iBook! | Support Low End Mac <http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html> PowerBooks list info: <http://lowendmac.com/lists/powerbooks.shtml> Send list messages to: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To unsubscribe, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> For digest mode, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subscription questions: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Archive: <http://www.mail-archive.com/powerbooks%40mail.maclaunch.com/> Using a Macintosh? Get free email and more at Applelinks! <http://www.applelinks.com>
