Trademe dc adaptors

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casewindow

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#86997 17-Jul-2011 10:01

We have a baby monitor and the dc adaptor has failed. It is the nz version of this one here (7.5v, 500ma, center positive)
http://angelcareuk.co.uk/ac-adaptor-75v-ac301-ac401-ac420-ac1100

I figure that this thing here should adequately do the job:
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Electronics-photography/Other-electronics/Adaptors-chargers/auction-391570461.htm

Is there anything I should be wary of - are they inherently less reliable/provide lower quality output?

(I tried searching for something on the DSE site but they have hardly anything of this type now)

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8961 posts

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#494227 17-Jul-2011 10:16

There have been stories recently of imported electronics on trademe being sold that do not meet safety standards, so it can be a bit of a lucky dip sometimes.

You could try this, this or this.

freitasm

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#494229 17-Jul-2011 10:25

People should stop thinking EVERYTHING on Trade Me is a bargain. Looking at the price for that adapter, and looking the price paid in established retailers, there's no savings to be made after all is done and paid.

Why not just go to Dick Smith and get one - that includes warranty, coverage by the CGA, etc?

oxnsox

1923 posts

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#494247 17-Jul-2011 11:14

freitasm: People should stop thinking EVERYTHING on Trade Me is a bargain. Looking at the price for that adapter, and looking the price paid in established retailers, there's no savings to be made after all is done and paid.

Why not just go to Dick Smith and get one - that includes warranty, coverage by the CGA, etc?

+1

Jaycar and DSE sell similar items, you can pick one up today.

Bung

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#494248 17-Jul-2011 11:18

I don't know whether it is compulsory for adapters to have approval but a red flag for me is that there's nothing on the label. That would mean it's not sold i9n Australia.

casewindow

310 posts

Ultimate Geek

#494249 17-Jul-2011 11:21

oxnsox:
freitasm: People should stop thinking EVERYTHING on Trade Me is a bargain. Looking at the price for that adapter, and looking the price paid in established retailers, there's no savings to be made after all is done and paid.

Why not just go to Dick Smith and get one - that includes warranty, coverage by the CGA, etc?

+1

Jaycar and DSE sell similar items, you can pick one up today.

Cheers guys. Just to be clear, I have this exact same view. I virtually never buy anything off Trademe because it is such a dogs breakfast (in terms of quality, dubious sourcing, difficult to enact warranty issues etc.)

However in this case searching *both* the Jaycar *and* DSE websites did not return much. That doesn't mean that they won't have it, but it was a bit of a pain not to see what I need listed anywhere else except TM.

I do intend to go into the stores, but should I return empty handed I am wondering if anyone has experiences with this sort of product from TM?

freitasm

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#494250 17-Jul-2011 11:22

The first reply to this discussion has three links (one Jaycar, two DSE). Follow those.

sbiddle

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#494251 17-Jul-2011 11:24

casewindow: However in this case searching *both* the Jaycar *and* DSE websites did not return much. That doesn't mean that they won't have it, but it was a bit of a pain not to see what I need listed anywhere else except TM.

I do intend to go into the stores, but should I return empty handed I am wondering if anyone has experiences with this sort of product from TM?

There are links to suitable adapters at both DSE and Jaycar in one of the posts above. The Warehouse also sell multi voltage adapters last time I was after one in a hurry.

Sharesies

Trade NZ and US shares and funds with Sharesies (affiliate link).

RunningMan

8961 posts

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#494256 17-Jul-2011 11:29

casewindow:
I do intend to go into the stores, but should I return empty handed I am wondering if anyone has experiences with this sort of product from TM?

Have a look at the links in my first post - either one of those three will probably work for you.

Having said that, I've bought replacement power supplies from TM before, and never been that happy with the result. More than one laptop power supply I have got has just been been cheaply imported rubbish, with problems such as a lack of durability of plugs, as well as RF interference.

richms

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#494261 17-Jul-2011 11:35

RunningMan:

Have a look at the links in my first post - either one of those three will probably work for you.

Having said that, I've bought replacement power supplies from TM before, and never been that happy with the result. More than one laptop power supply I have got has just been been cheaply imported rubbish, with problems such as a lack of durability of plugs, as well as RF interference.

Yeah, the counterfeit junk laptop adapters are a plague on trademe, and their ignorant staff are happy to let them sell them because they supply an AC cable with a NZ plug on it, which is all they give a damn about.

I could get a crapload of cheap adapters off alibaba with an AU/NZ plug on them, no approvals etc and sell them on trademe and they would be fine with it. Sell safe CE approved legit adapters with a UK plug and they will pull your listings as being dangerous and illegal. Idiots.

As for the pictured adapter. Its a big old obsolete transformer adapter, so not legal to import due to efficiancy targets etc.

Richard rich.ms

michaelt

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#494266 17-Jul-2011 12:21

I have an ancient 7.5V 2A adaptor from an Apple Powerbook 150 that's yours if you want it.

casewindow

310 posts

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#494292 17-Jul-2011 14:17

Right I did read those links in the top post but didn't see the correct amperage. However am I right in assuming that the device will only draw the current required so at 7.5v 900mA max (the dse ones) the device will be catered for (drawing only it's required 500mA)?

If so I'll probably get one of those, cheers for that.

Thanks for the offer of the free adaptor michaelt , I think I'll scoot down to the local DSE this afternoon though as it will be handy to have it today.

Cheers.

RunningMan

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#494298 17-Jul-2011 14:25

casewindow: However am I right in assuming that the device will only draw the current required so at 7.5v 900mA max (the dse ones) the device will be catered for (drawing only it's required 500mA)?

That's exactly right.

You need to make sure the voltage and polarity is the same; the current rating is the maximum the power supply is capable of delivering, so as long as the new one is the same or greater than the old, you will be fine.

Geese

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#494299 17-Jul-2011 14:28

O/T, but I have read in several reviews that AC-AC adapters are less reliable than AC-DC adapters (talking about 9V 1.3A). Any truth in that statement, and why?

richms

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#494308 17-Jul-2011 15:10

IlDuce: O/T, but I have read in several reviews that AC-AC adapters are less reliable than AC-DC adapters (talking about 9V 1.3A). Any truth in that statement, and why?

No, there is less in them to go wrong.

They are all pretty unreliable as they are made to a cost and the transformer ones were made with the thinnist wire possible to keep cost down, as they didnt give a toss about ongoing operating cost with them sucking down 4-8watts doing nothing, before you added on your 1 or 2 watts of load to them.

Richard rich.ms

richms

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#494310 17-Jul-2011 15:11

RunningMan:
casewindow: However am I right in assuming that the device will only draw the current required so at 7.5v 900mA max (the dse ones) the device will be catered for (drawing only it's required 500mA)?

That's exactly right.

You need to make sure the voltage and polarity is the same; the current rating is the maximum the power supply is capable of delivering, so as long as the new one is the same or greater than the old, you will be fine.

So long as its a regulated one, the unregulated will push out well over their rated voltage, as they use a crap transformer design to achieve the required short circuit protection. Switchmode supplies are not that stupid so are all well regulated, even the I cant believe it only cost a dollar type off ebay.

Richard rich.ms

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