Jornada Power Supply Unit

kah22

Hi wonder if you can offer me some advice.

A friend of my sister who is returning back to America has given me a hp jornada 820 series palmtop that he had, unfortunately no lead came with it so there is no way I can check if it is working properly, or run the thing!

However, I am wondering if I can use a regulated power supply unit, set at the proper power supply, to power the unit.

A quick glance at the HP site suggest that the manufacturers units are quite pricey, and really new palmtops don't seem that expensive in comparison .

If not can you suggest another work around

Kevin Hart

kah22

Hate to be a nuisance but Anyone?

To be honest I don't want to buy a new lead and then discover the machine is broken that's why I'm asking if it is possible to use a regulated power supply unit (I've several at home) - Maplin describe them as High Current AC/AC Mains Power Supplies http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=96964

Taffybiker

There are two reasons manufacturers recommend use of their own PSU's. The first is more money in their pockets, the other is guaranteed compatibility - but as long as you know what you're doing, this is not really a problem.

If you want to power any electrical item from a PSU that is not from the manufacturer, you need to take a few things into account.

The voltage: must be exactly as required by the item. If it says 6V then 6V it must be.
The current (amps): must be equal to or more than that required by the item.
The connector: must be a correct fit, and be of a sufficient current rating.
The type of voltage required: AC or DC. Most are DC but there are still a few items that require an AC supply.
The polarity: If a DC supply is needed, it is extremely important to connect the supply the right way round electrically.
Regulated or unregulated: Never use an unregulated adaptor where regulated is required. The other way round won't hurt, but in some cases may not work correctly.

I understand your unit needs 12V @ 3.5A. None of the adaptors shown on the page you linked to would be suitable.

epninety

Maplin has a special on a PSU at the moment, order code N59GU for 19.99. It's capable of 12V @ 3.3A, so it will probably be just about enough. I don't know if it has a suitable sized plug to fit the Jornada though.

Oddly enough it says "has 5 different laptop connectors" and also "not suitable for laptops". For £20 I'd try it though.