Power output/input HELP !!

Quasar

For all electrical whiz kids out there.

I have bought a special sound machine. Delivered yesterday and tried it for a little while. Perfect. Then switched off and unplugged as I had to go out.

Tried to switch it on later, but nothing happened. Tried several sockets, and to cut a long story (and swearing) short, it looks like its power cable has gone. I know because I tried to use my laptop cable and it works fine. However, since the output/input values are very different, I don't want to risk damaging the machine. Here are the details on each adaptor, which I have copied EXACTLY as given:

Sound Machine :
input : 100-240VAC, 47-63Hz
output: 12VDC / 500m A

Laptop:
input : AC100-240V 50-60Hz 98-147VA
output: 19V == 2.64.A

The laptop wattage seems greater to me. What I need to know is this: If I use the laptop flex+adaptor for the sound machine, will I damage the machine in the long run?

Thanks in advance for helping this confused and worried girl...

A simple answer will be appreciated, as any overly techie stuff will just confuse me.

scheming_gypsy

simple question first...


you did try changing the fuse first didn't you?

Quasar

scheming_gypsy, the plug/adaptor is a strange one I have never seen before, and is a compact black unit with no screws, and not at all like an ordinary plug, so I don't want to mess with it.

For the moment, please please I just want to know whether I can use that laptop stuff to connect to the machine. Anything else I can contact the supplier, but it's Saturday night and I'd like to find out asap, if anybody knows.

Thanks

JimArnold

in simple terms the wattage is the maximum the power suplly can supply so you always want to use one at least the same - larger won't hurt smaller will probably burn out the power supply

Your real problem lies in the voltage in this case you DON'T want to use a much higher value. It all depends on what you are driving some 12v units won't mind 19v some will

At least 12v 500mA power supllies are cheap and readily available try Maplin

Quasar

OK ok, enough please with the technical stuff.

I used it yesterday for about 2 hours, and as I said it did work. I cannot go and buy a new damn thing for several days, and can contact supplier but it will also take several days for this to be resolved.

Meanwhile: can I expect the machine to blow up or something? Can I use the laptop flex on this machine?

Please please please : Yes or no. Do not confuse me any more!!! :eek:

djohn2002uk

Probably NO!

The output voltage for the laptop is 50% higher so could cause damage.

scheming_gypsy

Quasar wrote:

scheming_gypsy, the plug/adaptor is a strange one I have never seen before, and is a compact black unit with no screws, and not at all like an ordinary plug, so I don't want to mess with it.

As you can't use the laptop adaptor i'll reply to this,

That is an ordinary plug. About 10 years ago they stopped supplying the removable plugs and everything comes with a moulded plug - with no screws. On the bottom between the prongs there should be a removable panel, pop a flat headed screw driver into it and pop it out, this will contain a fuse, swap the fuse and try that.


Old style plug


New style plug

drlight_2

The cureent is also 5 times the amount that of the adapter, that's the flow of electric going into your sound machine. I might be tempted just looking at the voltage but wouldn't attempt it seeing the current.

You can buy 12volt dc adaptors just about and electirical shop (dixons, cash convertors)
The recommended adaptors are always dearer.

I would buy a 9 - 12v dc adaptor & don't go past 900m A

Stick to a DC adaptor, don't plug a AC power supply into a DC device or it won't work again.

the input is the supply from the national grid.

Malestrom

Thats the rated maximum output current that the adaptor can supply if the load draws it, if the load draws 500mA then thats what the adaptor will supply. Voltage on the other hand is a different matter.

Quasar, NO do not use the laptop adaptor in the sound machine. Not only is the voltage too high but there has been no mention of whether the polarity is correct. Follow scheming gypsy's advice and change the fuse for starters!

Quasar

Thanks all.

Scheming_gypsy, none of those is the plug in question. It's a plug/adaptor in one piece only, a bit like a mobile phone charger, but with two prongs only, like continental ones but not quite the same (I know because I come from Europe) which fit into a converting plug with UK prongs. So no joy there.

It's not a flex into adaptor and theb plug. Just a single flex with the adaptor which is also a plug.

Oh anyway. I shall contact the supplier and see if they can send me a new one, and when I have time I'll try an electrical shop.

Thanks again.

Malestrom

Ahh, one of those nasty all-in-one adaptors with the three prongs on the back. Not much you can do with those unfortunately. Getting a decent power supply from Maplins might well be better in the long run. Good luck with the manufacturer!

Maplin does this one, order code JC92A, price £14.99: