Psion 5 power supply

[voidxar]

Hi,

I would like to know what are the specs for the Psion 5 power supply will any standard 6v 500ma power pack work with the right plug and the tip + . Or does it need a specific volate / current rateing ?

Thanx

[MikeMcC]

The official Series 5 mains adapter is 6V 1000mA and positive tip. The reason for the high current rating is so that it can power the Series 5, PC Card Adapter and a PCMCIA modem simultaneously.

If you are only powering the S5, 500mA should suffice but be certain to use a regulated supply as voltage fluctuations otherwise could be harmful.

[Tony Lough]

While on this subject do we have a definitive answer to the question of mixing Revos, 5MXs and their respective power supplies?

Tony Lough

[MikeMcC]

The S5, 5mx and Revo all use 6V with Positive tip. The problem is that the Revo's connector has a slightly longer reach to fit into the socket at the back, where it actually goes in at an angle. The shorter 5(mx) connector doesn't stay in very well, although it is OK when plugged into the docking cradle's 9-pin serial connector.

The Revo's mains adaptor is rated at 500mA where the 5(mx) one is 1000mA. The higher rating of the 5 one is so that it can power the 5, PC Card Adaptor and a PCMCIA modem simultaneously.

[netBookBabe]

Mike - so basically it would be OK to use the Revo power supply for my S5 or MC218, providing I'm not needing to use the modem and its adapter? Did I understand that right?

Thanks
Julie

[MikeMcC]

Originally posted by netBookBabe
Mike - so basically it would be OK to use the Revo power supply for my S5 or MC218, providing I'm not needing to use the modem and its adapter? Did I understand that right?

Thanks
Julie
Yes, as far as I'm aware the Revo adaptor's 500mA should be quite sufficient to power a 5, 5mx or MC218 on its own.

I've never actually tried it before, as I have two S5 adaptors - one for the 5/5mx and the other for the IR Travel Modem - but since you raised the question, I've just plugged in the Revo adaptor to my S5 and it's fine. The plug sits out slightly because of its longer reach so don't force it right in.

[netBookBabe]

Thanks Mike. Yes, I tried it briefly and it seemed to work fine, just wanted reassurance! :)

Julie

[dbourne]

Well that explains why the pin of the power supply I just got from Proporta doesn't go all the way into the socket on my Psion 5mx - and why they sell it as suitable for the Revo/5/5mx.

[Calbrit]

Would it therefore be OK to use a UK Psion 5mx adaptor to charge a Revo Plus/Mako?

On a similar vein, I had the notorious battery problems with my Mako (which was eventually replaced). I have read all the postings about this problem but I suspect that it may have been caused by using an "external battery pack" as shown I think on the Revoworld site. Could 4 AA batteries overcharge the Mako or destabilise the battery gauge?

I'm now based in the USA but need to be able to charge my Mako when I visit the UK and I have only the above two options available - hence the questions.

Thanks.

[MikeMcC]

Originally posted by Calbrit
Would it therefore be OK to use a UK Psion 5mx adaptor to charge a Revo Plus/Mako?

On a similar vein, I had the notorious battery problems with my Mako (which was eventually replaced). I have read all the postings about this problem but I suspect that it may have been caused by using an "external battery pack" as shown I think on the Revoworld site. Could 4 AA batteries overcharge the Mako or destabilise the battery gauge?

I'm now based in the USA but need to be able to charge my Mako when I visit the UK and I have only the above two options available - hence the questions.

Thanks.
Yes you can use the 5mx adaptor to charge the Revo but the problem is that the shorter reach of the connector means it doesn't stay in the Revo's socket very well. The plug actually goes in at an angle with the Revo. Connecting the adaptor to the other socket on the 9-pin serial connector of the docking cradle seems to stay in OK though.

Using an external battery pack to feed in at 6V with the correct polarity shouldn't cause a problem.

I personally happen to believe that Psion got the battery technology seriously wrong with the Revo and it matters little what you do, the batteries will eventually play up. I don't know of any other product using NiMH rechargeable batteries where we have this ridiculous pantomime about how to charge the batteries. My electric shaver uses NiMH batteries but it doesn't stop working because I didn't charge it up in some very specific way.:mad:

[dbourne]

I can't add anything re. the official 5mx charger sold by Psion. However the one sold by Proporta appears (is described) to be designed as a charger for the Revo/Mako as well as the 5/5mx.

It is also much lighter in weight than any other adaptor I've met to date, which may be an important consideration if you are travelling...

Good luck!

[Calbrit]

Thanks all - so the fact that the Mako chargers output states 500mA and the 5mx's 1A will not matter? As you can tell I'm not an electronic wizz!

[MikeMcC]

Originally posted by Calbrit
Thanks all - so the fact that the Mako chargers output states 500mA and the 5mx's 1A will not matter? As you can tell I'm not an electronic wizz!
No it doesn't matter. The device will only draw the current it needs and the 5mx adaptor is rated at 1000mA so that it can power the 5mx, PC Card Adaptor and a PCMCIA modem simultaneously.

[Calbrit]

Thanks Mike - I now can use my UK mains adaptor with my Mako for my UK visits and my Mako adaptor for my US 5mx "desktop" use (which I am now doing - hopefully this will save a few$ in batteries). That's great!

[Juan G Gonzalez]

Radio Shack sells an International (Dual Voltage 120/240VAC) AC Adaptor 6V 1A same specs as the Psion Mains for about $20US, you can choose which kind of tip to use on it (the're interchangeable).

And they are a lot lighter and compact than your standard brick transformer.

For my 5mx I use a Type H Tip. Works like a charm!

Maybe they have one for the Revo.

Worth to check it out.

[nigelp]

Do radioshack have a UK outlet or is there a similer company in the UK, Websites?

[Juan G Gonzalez]

www.radioshack.com. Part Number of the Adapter is 273-1762.

For info on International Delivery you need to contact ann.kothmann@radioshack.com.

Make sure that you order the type of tip (Adaptaplug) that will fit your device. For a 5mx a Type H will work. But for a Mako might be short.

[bobm22000]

One thing to watch out for when powering a 5 or 5MX for extended periods from a Revo or oem power supply with a straight socket is that, in time, strain on the pcb external power plug (lever/ fulcrum effect) will cause an intermittent connection within the Psion.

The original Psion 5/5MX power unit has the shorter right angle connector that is a snug fit and this does not apply any appreciable strain on the internal mating plug within the pda.

I now tend to run on batteries and only use external power (from an oem psu) via the PCMIA adapter when the modem is in use. :rolleyes: :(