Author Topic: Power bricks/transformers/adapters and such (Read 1942 times)

RHPConsult · « **on:** October 13, 2007, 02:49:26 PM »

Now that my USB query has been answered . . .On TeeEss. thanks. . . I've been musing about all the differing power adapters one can accumulate.

I have a neat Kensington adapter that has, as accessories, a variety of SmarTips that allow for the charging of several items useful to a Road Warrior, from a single wall socket. I'm able to charge my AluminumPB, a cell phone, and when I had one, a Palm, on one line connected to the adapter. The iPhone now is carged with the SmarTip for an iPod, without missing a beat. Kensington had said "No", but RNKIII's son said "OK". I choose to go with a TeeEsser, once removed.

That gives rise to the question . . . How does it do that?

I've read in other contexts how one should never try to use a "charger" intended for a particular device with another.

Of course, there are plenty of things for which SmarTips are not available. That's presumably, one answer. But, what about cameras and such. Where they are rechargeable at all, could they theoretically be "handled" by something like a Kensington, without frying your assets irretrievably?

Xairbusdriver · « **Reply #1 on:** October 13, 2007, 05:33:34 PM »

Most charging bricks are designed for a particular item. They supply exactly the current and voltage needed to operate a particular device. "Smart" bricks may be able to tell what device is connected and supply different voltage/current/polarity as needed. Then, there are the manual type which require you to set some switches.

The usual problem with using a multi-adaptored charger is that the various 'things' that can be connected may not need more or less current than is delivered. That could cause extra heat in the batteries or simply an infinite charging time. Secondly, the voltage itself could be incompatible with the cells in the device, that could also contribute to higher than expected current and or lower than needed voltage/current to actually charge the device. Finally, unless you know which part of the plug is positive and negative, one could even connect it backwards to the enclosed batteries/device, in that case, probably either the device or the charger will start to 'smoke'. It may not turn to flames but it may be too late to worry about using either device again.

If a company says its product is not designed to be used with another, it could be lack of knowledge about the new product. But it could also be that the device may cause harm or at least less than optimal performance. If that performance is simply a slightly slower or faster charge, there's probably nothing to worry about. Most DC devices can operate quite well at slightly higher and/or lower voltages. Reversed polarity is not usually handled well! But I can't imagine a charger company not wanting to have its product used/sold/bought, if it was known to be satisfactory for some new device.

Contrary to common knowledge, being able to plug one item into another is not proof that one should.

RNKIII · « **Reply #2 on:** October 13, 2007, 05:52:01 PM »

RHP...

My recollection

of our 3-way discusssion re:iPod / iPhone was for 'syncing' (but don't bet any agricultural property on my memory).

IAWxabd and power to multiple items from one source.... mix and match may not be the best way to go...

BOb K. rnkiii

RHPConsult · « **Reply #3 on:** October 13, 2007, 06:59:34 PM »

Tell your son, Bob, that Kensington worked well as an iPhone charger during "its" first venture into the Sandwich Isles
There you go, ABD, pouring cold water on The Paddy Principle, or a reasonable facsimile, as quoted.

Thanks to both of you for responding.

I've been very cautious in trying any of this "stuff". Caution = don't act until you check w/TeeEss. Especially with "bricks".

Kensington has done something clever with this . . .Its adapter . . . in combination with Smart Tips, a splitter, and a wind-up cord for connecting to 110/220. The latter I can't find on the current web site, regrettably, so they may not longer be manufacturing them. Too bad. Great convenience for the traveler.

Paddy · « **Reply #4 on:** October 13, 2007, 09:13:21 PM »

Er, Dick...regarding the Paddy Principle - that was for USB devices ONLY. I wouldn't follow it using power adapters!!! I once thought a router I owned had packed it in - turns out, I had it plugged into the wrong adapter. When did I discover this? When I was packing it up in the box they sent me to return it in...I returned it anyway, since I'd already paid the shipping and they'd also sent a replacement. Oops. The modem which had been happily humming along with the router's power adapter for some time seemed undamaged, luckily. I now try to label all those adapters, as they have a rather annoying habit of NOT bearing the same name/manufacturer etc. as the item they came with. Occasionally I've had to resort to looking up the specs for an item, just to make sure that the adapter and the item match!

Paddy · « **Reply #5 on:** October 13, 2007, 09:18:40 PM »

Is this what you were looking for, Dick?

http://www.amazon.com/Kensington-33347-Tra...iews/B000E59I22

Then looked up Smart Tips on the Kensington site and found a link on that page to the same thing:

http://us.kensington.com/html/10433.html

RHPConsult · « **Reply #6 on:** October 13, 2007, 10:03:57 PM »

I've got a label on everything, Paddy. The problem is I don't like to travel with everything, if I don't have to. It's actually a pleasure to travel with my new Canon digital camera, which only uses 5 AAs for power. No brick necessary.

Yes, that's the Kensington roll-up cable I truly enjoy - really neat, but I couldn't find the Smart-tips today except for phones. Nor the splitter to attach to the roll-up. Couldn't find the iPhone's SmarTip, for example, even though I bought mine less than 90 days ago.

I'm going to call them on Monday to see what's happened. They're just down the road in Oracle's campus.

News:

Author Topic: Power bricks/transformers/adapters and such (Read 1942 times)