Correct power adapter

Merlin5 · 11 Jul 2011 at 13:59

Hi chaps. I've bought a new handycam and been using batteries, but it's time to buy a power supply for longer usage. The machine I bought needs an AC adapter (AD-14): DC5V/1A/center positive. You can see the socket in this picture:

http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/4040/zoomf.jpg

I've seen various 5V/1A power supplies on the net, like this one for £2.20, free shipping from hong kong. I'm just wondering if you think the plug would be universal and fit the machine? It's not an official adapter for my Zoom Q3 HD camcorder, it doesn't say AD-14. But the voltage and ampage is correct. My socket looks like it's about 5.5mm wide, can't really tell about the 2.1mm depth.

http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/7829/poweradapter.jpg

Emphacy · 11 Jul 2011 at 14:01

That should work fine, the polarity is even correct.
As far as I can tell, the depth is the same on all adapters of that type, only the width that changes. If your box requires 5.5mm it will fit fine.

Merlin5 · 11 Jul 2011 at 14:25

Emphacy said:
That should work fine, the polarity is even correct.
As far as I can tell, the depth is the same on all adapters of that type, only the width that changes. If your box requires 5.5mm it will fit fine.

You've got good eyes! I didn't even spot that the little diagram around the socket shows a '+' going to the centre of the socket, which is what it says it needs, center positive.

I'll go ahead and buy it. Unfortunately, it doesn't say anywhere on the spec of my handycam what the width of the plug should be so I don't know if it should be 5.5mm. But I put a tape measure across it and looks to be about 5.5mm, so I'll take the chance, it's only a couple of quid. I'm sure it'll fit like you said. Thanks a lot for your help!

Merlin5 · 18 Jul 2011 at 11:49

Bah. Good delivery from hong kong, very fast. Unfortunately though, the plug is too wide, won't fit. Wasted

Probably not worth doing a refund and return to hong kong for the £2.20 it cost me? Would no doubt cost more in postage.

Tealc · 18 Jul 2011 at 14:28

Sounds like it might be a 2.5mm pin which is one of the two main ones, the other being 2.1 which you have seen doesn't fit.

Unless of course you mean the 5.5mm wont fit into the hole provided.

It could also be a non standard size.

El_Watcher · 18 Jul 2011 at 16:45

You would be best looking for one of those multi-voltage PSUs as they normally come with various tips, usually with both 2.1mm and 2.5mm tip internal diameters.

Something like *** They sell computer products so yes they are *** (hopefully not a competitor).

Merlin5 · 19 Jul 2011 at 13:35

El_Watcher said:
You would be best looking for one of those multi-voltage PSUs as they normally come with various tips, usually with both 2.1mm and 2.5mm tip internal diameters.

Something like *** They sell computer products so yes they are *** (hopefully not a competitor).

It's a good idea but I can't find one that has DC 5v 1A, they all seem to be 1, 3, 4.5, 6 volts. I'm not sure if the one you linked would have been suitable, I never saw it. I went into a local repair shop and showed it to the man there who measured it and reckons it's a 4.something mm from edge to edge and 1.something mm for the central part, but he didn't have anything that fits.

I've looked at just power adapter tips but I don't think there are any that will simply go over the one on the power supply. I'd have to snip mine off and solder a new one on. I can buy a proper supply that is meant for my camcorder which is £13 with shipping. Not sure if it's much cheaper to buy a tip, soldering iron and solder. Shame my old soldering iron doesn't work anymore.