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Help: US power adaptors

Seth

21:17 / 18.09.02

Hey. I know nothing about electrical do-dads. I've recently been given an American gadget, and the power adaptor to covert it from 220-240 v AC to 110-120 v AC suggests that I shouldn't use it with devices rated less than 500 W. Furthermore the item I'm using it with must be heat producing. The question: is there anything I can buy that will work with my new toy, which (chances are) is rated under 500W? What will happen if I use this adaptor with it?

Ariadne

21:27 / 18.09.02

What's the device? And how precious is it? I've used a shaver adaptor to charge a MP3 player - not exactly what's advised, but it works okay.

Seth

21:31 / 18.09.02

Its a new PDA to replace the one that my Mum reversed over in her landrover (don't ask). Pocket PC. Black Gold. Texas Tea.

And yeah, it's pretty precious. I ain't gonna fuck wit' it's bad self.

I need more to go on.

Ariadne

21:34 / 18.09.02

Oooh, what kind of PDA? I'm a PDA kinda girl. I'd definitely not mess with it - go and talk to someone about the right charger. BUT - doesn't it either run on batteries or charge itself in the cradle?

Ariadne

21:35 / 18.09.02

Sorry, just seen it's a Pocket PC (pah! Palm rules...) - but made by which company?

ONLY NICE THINGS

21:44 / 18.09.02

Furthermore the item I'm using it with must be heat producing.

A kettle! Charge it with a kettle!

Magic Mutley

21:46 / 18.09.02

I'd say you're ok with a PDA. 500 watts is fairly hefty - about computer + monitor power.

If there's a lable on the side with the current it draws, you can work it out - watts = amps x volts

Ariadne

21:48 / 18.09.02

I have to go to bed and I'm not sure if my PM just worked so -- talk to the manufacturer. Most have offices here and they'll either tell you what to use or get you a suitable UK charger.

And I'll do the boring nerd-talk about what you've bought next time I see you..

night night

Seth

21:51 / 18.09.02

It's a Compaq iPAQ H3955. And the label on the plug says all kinds of fucked up occult shit:

INPUT: 100-240V - 0.4A 50-60Hz
OUTPUT: 5V fucked squiggly lines 2A

This is all FUCKED UP. No wonder scientists are FUCKED UP.

Spatula Clarke

22:34 / 18.09.02

There are power convertors available - it's a similar situation if you import US DVD players or games consoles - but I don't know where from. I'd try ringing games importers (Computer Exchange might be able to help) as they should at least be able to tell you exactly what you need, even if they can't supply it.

Seth

00:01 / 19.09.02

Thinking about it, I wonder what my sister is using. She's got an American laptop... hmmm. I'll have to check that out tomorrow.

Chomping at the bit to get it up and running.

Magic Mutley

08:10 / 19.09.02

Doh! I just read this thread sober, and realised that it says you can't use it on anything rated *less* than 500 watts (and not *more* as I thought). Please ignore my previous post - electricity & alcohol just don't mix...

We're The Great Old Ones Now

08:17 / 19.09.02

INPUT: 100-240V - 0.4A 50-60Hz

If it says that on the original US plug, the transformer/plug which came with the item, you don't need a new transformer plug to make it work, you can use the original one with a simple adaptor. UK power is 240V, so the adaptor will handle it.

Alternatively, you should be able to pick up a UK plug - but they're not cheap.

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