9VDC Adapter

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dragon

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#31162 7-Mar-2009 09:30

Hi guys. I am a real noob at making anything electronic - actually my first attempt! I am making an infrared sensor for my PC and need a wired IR repeater to enable access from lounge/kitchen/dining room. I found one that looks just the ticket at jaycar http://www.jaycar.co.nz/productView.asp?ID=KC5432&keywords=remote+extender&form=KEYWORD which requires a 9VDC power adapter.

I have several 9VAC adapters so my question is this (don't laugh): do these 9VAC adapters output DC voltage or AC voltage? Or should I specifically purchase a 9VDC adapter?

I am yet to ask about the AMP requirements anyway.

TIA for any help.

imadog

107 posts

Master Geek

#199728 7-Mar-2009 10:45

You will need a 9V DC output adapter. As long as the AMP rating on the adapter is equal to or HIGHER than the current you are drawing, you are ok. The Ampere rating on the adapter gives the max current it can supply. If you try and pull more current than the device can supply, you will smoke your adapter.

Dont use an AC adapter.

good luck

dragon

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#199808 7-Mar-2009 20:49

OK I will definitely buy a suitable DC adapter. Thanks very much for your help, much appreciated.

scottjpalmer

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#199832 7-Mar-2009 23:07

When you go to Jaycar they will be able to supply you an appropriate adaptor - if they get it wrong it is their problem to put you right :-)

Dingbatt

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#199859 8-Mar-2009 09:09

Not specifically about 9V adapters but DC supplies in general.
Does anybody know if you can get an AC to DC transformer that will allow multiple DC components to be supplied? It just seems that every time you buy a new piece of minor equipment it comes with yet another AC adapter. If it is the same DC output voltage and each component can receive appropriate current would that work? It may remove the need for yet another multiboard.
Even better if multiple voltages could be catered for. Any clues from the electronics whizzes out there?

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sbiddle

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#199863 8-Mar-2009 09:32

Dingbatt: Not specifically about 9V adapters but DC supplies in general.
Does anybody know if you can get an AC to DC transformer that will allow multiple DC components to be supplied? It just seems that every time you buy a new piece of minor equipment it comes with yet another AC adapter. If it is the same DC output voltage and each component can receive appropriate current would that work? It may remove the need for yet another multiboard.
Even better if multiple voltages could be catered for. Any clues from the electronics whizzes out there?

Providing the single transformer supplies enough current for every device then there are no problems doing that. It's possible to buy 2.5mm DC adapter cables that have a single input and 4 outputs and also 12V regulated plugpacks that have 4 2.5mm outputs there are pretty common for CCTV installations.

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#199872 8-Mar-2009 10:51

sbiddle:

Providing the single transformer supplies enough current for every device then there are no problems doing that. It's possible to buy 2.5mm DC adapter cables that have a single input and 4 outputs and also 12V regulated plugpacks that have 4 2.5mm outputs there are pretty common for CCTV installations.

Thanks Steve
Whereabouts would those sort of things be available? At last count I had at least 4 12V adapters in my AV cupboard alone.

My concern would be overpowering components, or will they only take what they need?

Is there anything available that would provide stepped voltages from one AC supply? For instance 6, 9 and 12V from separate outlets.

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sbiddle

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#199886 8-Mar-2009 12:04

You can get something like this here which is a 2A power supply. It just depends how much load your device draws.

As for a multi tap power supply with multiple outputs these are available but are more something you would have in a workshop. I haven't seen a low cost unit that will do multiple voltages at once - most units that allow you to select multiple voltages only have a single output.