Google Chromecast blew up

EssexExile

googler wrote: »

Where did you get the mains adaptor from? The Chromecast doesn't come supplied with one (if I recall correctly), just a USB lead.

Mine gets powered from USB on the telly.

Luckily mine came with a mains adaptor as the TV doesn't have a USB.

paddyrg

EssexExile wrote: »

Luckily mine came with a mains adaptor as the TV doesn't have a USB.

Pretty sure Google don't supply them, in which case whoever sold it to you bundled a cheapo Chinese aftermarket one, I suspect. I no longer buy cheapo USB chargers as -

1) they can fail and
2) they can damage equipment if they fail and
3) some can actually fail dangerously/catch fire if they fail.

Cheap units can have mains voltage sitting a few millimetres from the 5v line with poor board design and cheap components. It's entirely possible that the supply died, in the process sending a mains spike through the 5v line, damaging the chromecast and in turn wounding the TV. Hopefully you can try another (decent) power supply and things will not have permanent damage.

EssexExile

paddyrg wrote: »

Pretty sure Google don't supply them, in which case whoever sold it to you bundled a cheapo Chinese aftermarket one, I suspect.

Printed inside the flash Google box, which would be much smaller if it only had to hold the Chromecast, are the instructions:

a Plug power cable into Chromecast
b Plug Chromecast into HDMI port of TV
c Plug power adaptor into wall socket*

*optionally, you may connect the power cable from the Chromecast to a USB port on your TV

Fightsback

paddyrg wrote: »

I no longer buy cheapo USB chargers as -

1) they can fail and
2) they can damage equipment if they fail and
3) some can actually fail dangerously/catch fire if they fail.

See this thread:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5358281

grumbler

googler wrote: »

The Chromecast doesn't come supplied with one (if I recall correctly), just a USB lead. .

paddyrg wrote: »

Pretty sure Google don't supply them

In use, the Chromecast dongle slots into the HDMI port and yet takes power through its micro USB socket from any available USB port on the telly. If there isn’t one, then a decent length cable is provided along with a PSU. ...

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2014/03/21/review_google_chromecast/

Yolina

googler wrote: »

Where did you get the mains adaptor from? The Chromecast doesn't come supplied with one (if I recall correctly), just a USB lead.

I bought a Chromecast recently (down to £25 and qualifies for the £20 store credit until 15 Jan ) and it does come with a mains adaptor that's even Chromecast branded an' all (Grumbler's link is the old model btw)

techno12

Yes, the new Chromecasts come with a moulded USB mains adaptor (ie the cable is hardwired into the adaptor, which is unusual).

I haven't used it though, as I'm drawing the power from a spare USB socket on my Popcorn Hour.

Yolina

The usb cable is not hardwired into the mains adaptor that's bundled with the latest ones (got one last week)
There's a different adaptor available separately which has an added ethernet port and this one seems to have the usb hardwired in.

techno12

Ah yes you're right! Just checked mine and the USB cable does in fact pull out of the adaptor.

I'm loving the convenience of the Chromecast, especially the fact that it can display any tab from Chrome running on my main wired PC (handy for streaming sport in my lounge).