Mains adapter for 5mx

[stefank60]

Hiya All

Quick question on powering my 5mx.

Psion advise that one should only use the mains adapter supplied by them (Hey big suprise there). My question is is there any reason at all why I should not use another one ?

I have one mase by Ross that has five output settings 3,6,9 1nd 12 volts and allows the polarity to be switched.

Is the Psion thing just sales pitch and can I use the above mentioned one with no effects ?

Thanks for any feedback

Stefan

[MikeMcC]

The 5mx uses a 6V mains adaptor wired with positive tip. The official one is rated at 1000mA so that it can power the 5mx, PC Card Adaptor and a PCMCIA modem simultaneously. To power only the 5mx, 500mA should suffice but you must ensure that you use a regulated device to avoid voltage fluctuations which could damage the 5mx.

[stefank60]

Hiya Mike
My unit is 300ma (max). How would I know if it is regulated ? Also not sure how I know which bit is positive and negative. There is a reversable plug which allows one to put plus with plus and minus with minus or plus with minus.

What do you think ?

Many thanks again

Stefan

[MikeMcC]

How would I know if it is regulated ? It would normally say on the cover of the adaptor (and on the box if you still have it).
Also not sure how I know which bit is positive and negative. If you are not certain, then don't use it. A voltmeter would show you but it isn't worth destroying the 5mx for the sake of the cost of the correct mains supply.

[stefank60]

Hmm Guess I should invest in a Psion one then - time to scour ebay again.

It doesn't say anything on the casing and i no longer have the box.

Thanks again

stef

[markdeppe]

stefank60: I use a radioshack Cat: No: 237-7943 and when the arrows are not aligned the poitive is in the middle. it is a 900mA regulated (thoughit doesn't say so on the casing, it is) and it works well and powers the 5mx nd PCMIA OK. only works for 240V though so no good in some places. I think I bought it in Maplins.

I take no responsibility for this next bit but I am fairly sure I read somewhere that there was some sort protection device in the psion which protected it against the error of wrong polarity. I have never tested this and am not recommending it. I think maybe if you search the archive on the google board it might be there

[markdeppe]

Coincidence would have it that I just saw this at http://groups.google.co.uk/groups?dq=&hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&group=comp.sys.psion.marketplace&selm=w2HK9.595%24vR2.112944%40newsfep1-win.server.ntli.net

_____
"says on box "for use with series5 and pc-card modem adaptor.
new and unused. uk voltage input, output standard 6v dc at 1A.
what's it worth ? offers over a £7 will secure it. plus £1 pnp
regards, alex"

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[stefank60]

Thanks for that Mark

Stefan

[netBookBabe]

Stefan

If Mark's suggestion doesn't work out, I have a spare power adapter here, so PM me if interested.

Julie