Talking T Gauge

DavidMcC · Joined: 13 Jan 2009 Posts: 6 Location: Manhasset

Does anyone have the output specifications for the AC adaptor?

AC or DC?

If DC - Tip Positive or Negative?

mA on output?

My only source right now is Plaza Japan through e-bay and it's not listed.
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zomer · Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2009 8:49 pm Post subject:

There is going to be an USB adapter released soon so you can run off the computer. I also know of some AC to USB power packs. Might pay to wait for that if that is easier.
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B 67 · Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2009 10:56 pm Post subject:

I have one of the AC adapters. I'll check the details for you.

They are multi-voltage (work on 110 - 240v ac). available with different plugs though. The one I have has the Asia / US plug (110v) but Eishindo supplied an adapter for Australian power points (wall sockets) as they don't have the Australian plug version yet. Works fine on our 240 volts.

Pretty sure the output is 4.5v DC, but shall check later.

I tried my USB adapter yesterday. As expected, it works well.
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Darren,
Stratford,
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ken J · Joined: 11 Jan 2009 Posts: 13 Location: Birmingham UK

I have bought 2 of these adapters with UK 3 pin plug attachments from Gaugemaster, although I'm still using batteries at present. The adaptor reads the following on the packaging

InputAC 100 ~240 V 50/60 Hz

Output DC 4.5V 800mA

--- 5degreesC -35degreesC
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DavidMcC · Joined: 13 Jan 2009 Posts: 6 Location: Manhasset

Thanks Ken. Can you find any indication on the polarity of the tip?

Usually it's a "C" shape with a dot in the middle and a line from the dot to a + or - sign.

Sometimes there's also a line from the "C" that has a similar marking.

It may be molded into the adaptor case itself, along with the other info.
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B 67 · Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2009 10:33 pm Post subject:

I had one of those days yesterday. So didn't even get to have a look at the AC adapter. Might have better luck today.

I don't think it has one of those plug polarity symbols on it. But a multi-meter will tell me the answer. I suspect it won't matter much. It either won't work, or will work in reverse. I doubt damage would occur from the wrong polarity. I know many devices say this will happen, but that is generally because they want you to buy their own 'special' adapter. In almost every case, they have diode protection anyway.

Maximum temperature 35 degrees? Today will be our third day in a row over 40 degrees C. Was around 45 yesterday with the same forecast today. And yes, that's in the shade.
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Darren,
Stratford,
Australia.

David K Smith · Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2009 11:18 pm Post subject:

Well, I don't have an AC adapter, but I've been wanting to pop a controller open since forever, so I just did. Wow, pretty sophisticated unit, with mostly SMD devices and even a COB (chip on board). All of the markings on the board are in English, and it's labeled "T Gauge Controller, June 12, 2007." Curiously, the sensitivity controls for the reversing sensors are labeled "Vol 1" and "Vol 2", and the speed control is "Vol 3."

Anyway... there is no diode protection on the power adapter input circuit, but I did a continuity test and determined that the "tip" is positive. The adapter input jack has an integral switch that cuts out battery power when the adapter is connected. Also interesting is that the power on-off switch does not interrupt power to the controller as a whole; instead, it just cuts power to a portion of the circuit, while the rest receives power regardless of the on-off switch setting. Not sure what possible advantage this may provide, but it is curious.
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B 67 · Posted: Fri Jan 30, 2009 1:32 am Post subject:

I was wrong. There is a polarity symbol on the back of the AC adapter. In true T gauge style, it's rather small, so I didn't notice it before.
As David has already found, the tip (centre) is positive. Obviously that makes the outer ring negative.

I am surprised about the lack of diode protection. Also a little surprised you (David) hadn't opened a controller already. Smile

And yes, also surprised about the power switch. It must be okay though. I have had the same batteries in one of my controllers since October (Eclipse Lithium AA) and they are still going strong, so there must be very little or no current draw when switched off.
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Darren,
Stratford,
Australia.

David K Smith · Posted: Fri Jan 30, 2009 1:48 am Post subject:

B 67 · Posted: Fri Jan 30, 2009 9:55 am Post subject:

zomer · Posted: Fri Jan 30, 2009 10:57 am Post subject:

B 67 · Posted: Fri Jan 30, 2009 11:23 am Post subject:

TODO R CASPELL · Posted: Mon Mar 02, 2009 10:29 pm Post subject: GOODWILL HARDOFF

Not sure it matters much. I just took my box to the Goodwill and dug thru the bin until I found a AC adapter plug that fitted. 3 bucks. It seems to work just fine. Maybe I just got lucks ?