AC adaptor problem

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almostly

8 posts

Wannabe Geek

#269890 13-Apr-2020 11:12

It seems the 1.5 ac adaptor has ceased working to my wdbaau001hbk-01 hdd that I use to download programmes from my tv. I have a spare adaptor that is 1.0a and wondering if I can use it or any suggestions welcome please.🤔

lxsw20

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#2460372 13-Apr-2020 11:14

Whats the output voltage on both adapters? You could give it a go if it's similar, but my guess is 1a might not have enough guts to start the hdd spinning.

boland

545 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2460374 13-Apr-2020 11:16

You could give it a try but you may fry the power adapter as it does need the 18w / 1.5a according to the specs. Perhaps if you don't let it run for hours you will be fine, but don't let it run unattended.

andrewNZ

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#2460379 13-Apr-2020 11:23

I wouldn't go smaller, you might end up with funky things happening, could even get some data loss.

You need to look at:
Output type (AC / DC) - MUST be the same.
Output voltage (V) - MUST be the same.
Output current (A / I) - Should be the same or more than the old one.
Plug polarity( _-(o-_ ) - MUST be the same.

Any of the above items can result in destruction of your device if they are wrong.

richms

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#2460380 13-Apr-2020 11:23

A proper adapter will current limit and should be fine except the drive will not work, but there are many DC adapters out there which will cook up instead.

And its impossible to tell without putting a load on it and seeing what happens. I have some mid price range USB chargers that are rated to 2.4 + 1 amps - so 3.4 in total but you can pull 8 amps from either socket on them before they finally drop the voltage down. They then let out the magic smoke after about 4 mins.

Richard rich.ms

almostly

8 posts

Wannabe Geek

#2460424 13-Apr-2020 12:02

lxsw20:

Whats the output voltage on both adapters? You could give it a go if it's similar, but my guess is 1a might not have enough guts to start the hdd spinning.

Thanks guys, I get the feeling it's the HDD after all. Plugged in the other adaptor and not even a glimmer of light. It's a pretty old unit and probably past it's by date.

(Bit like me really.......82 and told I'm in the current vulnerable zone!! 😂😂)

Take care and stay safe.......

Rikkitic

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#2460426 13-Apr-2020 12:05

Don't shoot me for this but don't these devices (and the specifications) usually have a generous safety margin built in? I would think you could probably get away with it but of course it depends on the quality of the 1 amp adapter.

Plesse igmore amd axxept applogies in adbance fir anu typos

SATTV

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#2460496 13-Apr-2020 13:13

If it was me I would give it a go otherwise i would cut off the wall ward and hard wire the lead into my computer 12V rail.

John

I know enough to be dangerous

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almostly

8 posts

Wannabe Geek

#2460682 13-Apr-2020 17:17

SATTV:
If it was me I would give it a go otherwise i would cut off the wall ward and hard wire the lead into my computer 12V rail.

John

wazzageek

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#2460809 13-Apr-2020 21:39

You could potentially remove the HDD and put it in the computer (assuming you have spare power and sata for it)

from memory, those WD enclosures are a bit of a pain to get into though.

gzt

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#2460822 13-Apr-2020 22:25

wazzageek:
You could potentially remove the HDD and put it in the computer (assuming you have spare power and sata for it)
from memory, those WD enclosures are a bit of a pain to get into though.

Some models have a different drive interface to make this difficult. Made to work only with specific enclosure. Depends on model.