DC plug tip converters?

[Melissa]

I have a universal ac adapter with one size plug tip and I want to plug it
into something that takes a smaller sized plug tip. Without having to buy a
whole new adapter power pack, does anyone know where I can just get a
inexpensive package of plug tip adapters, that could change one size plug
into another?



--
Yours In Liberty, Melissa - Colorado, U.S.A.
http://melissasliberty.blogspot.com/

The last best hope for liberty, to give the world its first Bill of
Rights: http://www.UPAlliance.org/billofrights.htm

 

[Ken]

Melissa wrote:

I have a universal ac adapter with one size plug tip and I want to plug it
into something that takes a smaller sized plug tip. Without having to buy a
whole new adapter power pack, does anyone know where I can just get a
inexpensive package of plug tip adapters, that could change one size plug
into another?



Try Radio Shack.

 

[Melissa]

Ken <user@domain.invalid> wrote :

Melissa wrote:
I have a universal ac adapter with one size plug tip and I want to plug
it into something that takes a smaller sized plug tip. Without having
to buy a whole new adapter power pack, does anyone know where I can
just get a inexpensive package of plug tip adapters, that could change
one size plug into another?



Try Radio Shack.

I did, all they have is their newer models of adapters with all kinds of
expensive plugs to match. Planned obsolescence so they can rake you for
more bucks.

--
Yours In Liberty, Melissa - Colorado, U.S.A.
http://melissasliberty.blogspot.com/

The last best hope for liberty, to give the world its first Bill of
Rights: http://www.UPAlliance.org/billofrights.htm

 

Melissa <melissa@colorado.xxx> wrote:

Ken <user@domain.invalid> wrote :
Melissa wrote:
just get a inexpensive package of plug tip adapters, that could change
one size plug into another?

Try Radio Shack.

The home of "You've got questions, we've got blank stares." 8*)

I did, all they have is their newer models of adapters

I don't think the thing you want exists, as _usually_ the act of using
a wall wart with the product it didn't come with is a sure way of
destroying at least one of them.

However, if you know anyone who can solder, you can buy the
appropriate plug end and have someone attach it to the wallwart of
your choice...

 

[Michael]

Melissa wrote:

I have a universal ac adapter with one size plug tip and I want to plug it
into something that takes a smaller sized plug tip. Without having to buy a
whole new adapter power pack, does anyone know where I can just get a
inexpensive package of plug tip adapters, that could change one size plug
into another?

--
Yours In Liberty, Melissa - Colorado, U.S.A.

I grabbed several *barrel connector" adapters from a table of close-out
items at my local electronics store a year or two ago. I just checked
each of them and none is marked with manufacturer's name,
unfortunately. Mfgr.'s name was on the label of each package but I
tossed the packaging as soon as I got home. Might have a catalog from
that store. Will look for it and post here later if I find info. that
you could use.

Others suggested Rat Shack. I do know that place has a large line of
p.s. cable ends that connect to any of their assorted wall warts and
power supplies, but I don't know that Rat Shack has barrel connector
adaptors. (Maybe I missed them.)

 

[Michael]

Michael wrote:

Melissa wrote:

I have a universal ac adapter with one size plug tip and I want to plug it
into something that takes a smaller sized plug tip. Without having to buy a
whole new adapter power pack, does anyone know where I can just get a
inexpensive package of plug tip adapters, that could change one size plug
into another?

--
Yours In Liberty, Melissa - Colorado, U.S.A.

I grabbed several *barrel connector" adapters from a table of close-out
items at my local electronics store a year or two ago. I just checked
each of them and none is marked with manufacturer's name,
unfortunately. Mfgr.'s name was on the label of each package but I
tossed the packaging as soon as I got home. Might have a catalog from
that store. Will look for it and post here later if I find info. that
you could use.

Others suggested Rat Shack. I do know that place has a large line of
p.s. cable ends that connect to any of their assorted wall warts and
power supplies, but I don't know that Rat Shack has barrel connector
adaptors. (Maybe I missed them.)

Melissa, I must have thrown that catalog away. I remember it was a year
(2?) old.
What you need does exist. I assure you, they cannot be too terribly
rare if my gettin' place has 'em (typically their stock is almost - but
not quite - what I want or need.)

Barrel connector adapters are the greatest thing since audio adapters.
All of the ones I bought are currently in use.

Michael
(Read some of your blog. You can write, ma'am!)

 

[Rich Webb]

On Mon, 17 Jan 2005 09:09:33 -0800, "Watson A.Name - \"Watt Sun, the
Dark Remover\"" <NOSPAM@dslextreme.com> wrote:

I think they were trying to standardize power plug ends to minimize the
possibility of allowing someone to plug a 12V adapter into a 6V device,
and let the smoke out. But the various mfgrs don't seem to care.

As long as they at least show the voltage and polarity that the
equipment needs, I'm happy. It's the buggers who don't that should be
lashed with a flail of universal adapter cords...

I've got a pile of old wall warts from long forgotten modems and other
assorted gear. It's a handy resource for DIY projects and to rescue the
odd piece of equipment that has become separated from its mate.

Then there's the problem of so *many* different power plugs that would
have to be paired. Think of all the combinations of just the 9- to
25-pin RS-232 adapters. Probably not economical.

RS-232 is a standard pinout, and 9-pin is not RS-232, but it is also a
standard in the PC world, with essentially all of the same pins the
25-pin RS-232 connector has except pin 1, which is the body of the
9-pin. So there are only two ways to make a 9-pin to 25-pin serial
adapter: straight thru, or crossover AKA null modem. Almost all
adapters are straight thru.

True, I overstated it a bit. I was picturing my overflowing dingle-
dangle-dongle box, that also has the various pin counts and sexes for
to/from PS-2 connectors, assorted null modems, gender changers in
various shapes, break-out boxes ...

--
Rich Webb Norfolk, VA

 

[legg]

On 16 Jan 2005 10:48:42 -0700, Melissa <melissa@colorado.xxx> wrote:

Ken <user@domain.invalid> wrote :

Melissa wrote:
I have a universal ac adapter with one size plug tip and I want to plug
it into something that takes a smaller sized plug tip. Without having
to buy a whole new adapter power pack, does anyone know where I can
just get a inexpensive package of plug tip adapters, that could change
one size plug into another?



Try Radio Shack.


I did, all they have is their newer models of adapters with all kinds of
expensive plugs to match. Planned obsolescence so they can rake you for
more bucks.

They also flog the adapter set separately. Can't say that anything at
Radio Shack is a good price - look elsewhere. In some places,
individual parts from the 'set' of connectors are available. You need
a wall wart with the two-pin terminal fitting, to use them. Buy one of
these just once. No doubt they are available elsewhere.

It was you who bought the component that now needs replacing - get
better advice next time.

RL

 

[Michael]

Rich Webb wrote:
(snip)

I've got a pile of old wall warts from long forgotten modems and other
assorted gear. It's a handy resource for DIY projects and to rescue the
odd piece of equipment that has become separated from its mate.
(snip)
--
Rich Webb Norfolk, VA

Ahhh ... a kindred spirit. I have so many spare wall warts that I
recently took the time to separate them into two piles, AC and DC, and
dump each pile into its own cardboard carton. Inside the "AC" carton
there are two smaller cartons, one for "6v" and one for "12v", because
I've got a *bunch" of those.

 

[Ken]

Melissa wrote:

Ken <user@domain.invalid> wrote :


Melissa wrote:

I have a universal ac adapter with one size plug tip and I want to plug
it into something that takes a smaller sized plug tip. Without having
to buy a whole new adapter power pack, does anyone know where I can
just get a inexpensive package of plug tip adapters, that could change
one size plug into another?




Try Radio Shack.



I did, all they have is their newer models of adapters with all kinds of
expensive plugs to match. Planned obsolescence so they can rake you for
more bucks.

You may be right, but did you check in the section where the electronic
components are located?? There might be a separate section for power
adapters and wall warts, which of course would be more costly.

 

[Melissa]

Ken <user@domain.invalid> wrote :

Melissa wrote:
Ken <user@domain.invalid> wrote :


Melissa wrote:

I have a universal ac adapter with one size plug tip and I want to
plug it into something that takes a smaller sized plug tip. Without
having to buy a whole new adapter power pack, does anyone know where I
can just get a inexpensive package of plug tip adapters, that could
change one size plug into another?




Try Radio Shack.



I did, all they have is their newer models of adapters with all kinds
of expensive plugs to match. Planned obsolescence so they can rake you
for more bucks.


You may be right, but did you check in the section where the
electronic
components are located?? There might be a separate section for power
adapters and wall warts, which of course would be more costly.

I didn't want to have to buy even more power adapters, I have about a dozen
of them around here now. I just need to adapt one of the adapters I have
now, to the plug that I need it to go into.

Someone somewhere on the web must sell tip adapters to convert one tip to
another size. If I new what they were called, I might even find them cheap
on Ebay.


--
Yours In Liberty, Melissa - Colorado, U.S.A.
http://melissasliberty.blogspot.com/

The last best hope for liberty, to give the world its first Bill of
Rights: http://www.UPAlliance.org/billofrights.htm

 

[Melissa]

William P.N. Smith wrote :

Melissa <melissa@colorado.xxx> wrote:
Ken <user@domain.invalid> wrote :
Melissa wrote:
just get a inexpensive package of plug tip adapters, that could change
one size plug into another?

Try Radio Shack.

The home of "You've got questions, we've got blank stares." 8*)

Seriously. 90% of the times I go there, it takes you 20 minutes to get
help, even if the place is empty ( they're in the back going heaven knows
what ) and then they usually don't have what I need. All they're interested
in is selling stereos and cell phone stuff so they make the big
commissions.

However, if you know anyone who can solder, you can buy the
appropriate plug end and have someone attach it to the wallwart of
your choice...

I can solder, I'm an ASET. I was just trying to save some time and money
though, but I see it's not worth it, I'll just buy a new $12 adapter that
comes with a dozen plug tips, and the heck with this.

--
Yours In Liberty, Melissa - Colorado, U.S.A.
http://melissasliberty.blogspot.com/

The last best hope for liberty, to give the world its first Bill of
Rights: http://www.UPAlliance.org/billofrights.htm

 

[Peter Bennett]

On 16 Jan 2005 13:33:55 -0700, Melissa <melissa@colorado.xxx> wrote:

I didn't want to have to buy even more power adapters, I have about a dozen
of them around here now. I just need to adapt one of the adapters I have
now, to the plug that I need it to go into.

Radio Shack has replacement ends for their "interchangeable end" AC
adaptors - I've used those, and soldered wires to the pins that are
supposed to plug into the adaptor cable - it's not the way they're
supposed to be used, but it works.

They also carry (or used to carry) a few sizes of coaxial power plugs
that were intended to be soldered to wires.



--
Peter Bennett, VE7CEI
peterbb4 (at) interchange.ubc.ca
new newsgroup users info : http://vancouver-webpages.com/nnq
GPS and NMEA info: http://vancouver-webpages.com/peter
Vancouver Power Squadron: http://vancouver.powersquadron.ca

 

[Rich Webb]

On 16 Jan 2005 14:35:25 -0700, Melissa <melissa@colorado.xxx> wrote:

[snip...snip...]

I can solder, I'm an ASET. I was just trying to save some time and money
though, but I see it's not worth it, I'll just buy a new $12 adapter that
comes with a dozen plug tips, and the heck with this.

AFAIK, there are no such beasts. As you noted, most of the time the
power supply and the consumer device are a "matched pair" and the
majority of users are not willing/able to try to use a wall wart from
one device on something else. So there's not a large market to begin
with.

Then there's the problem of so *many* different power plugs that would
have to be paired. Think of all the combinations of just the 9- to
25-pin RS-232 adapters. Probably not economical.

If one knows what one is about, the easiest approach is just to cut off
the old plug and solder on a new one or (if it needs saving) to buy a
plug and receptacle and make an adapter.

--
Rich Webb Norfolk, VA

 

[Gareth Magennis]

Hi Melissa,

in the UK they are available here
http://www.maplin.co.uk/search.aspx?MenuNo=1286&MenuName=Power+Leads+and+Tips&FromMenu=y&doy=17m1

so I would imagine similar sets must be available somewhere in the States.


Good luck,

Gareth.



"Melissa" <melissa@colorado.xxx> wrote in message
news:41e9deb5$1_2@omega.dimensional.com...

I have a universal ac adapter with one size plug tip and I want to plug it
into something that takes a smaller sized plug tip. Without having to buy
a
whole new adapter power pack, does anyone know where I can just get a
inexpensive package of plug tip adapters, that could change one size plug
into another?



--
Yours In Liberty, Melissa - Colorado, U.S.A.
http://melissasliberty.blogspot.com/

The last best hope for liberty, to give the world its first Bill of
Rights: http://www.UPAlliance.org/billofrights.htm

 

[Watson A.Name - \"Watt Su]

"Melissa" <melissa@colorado.xxx> wrote in message
news:41eacfb3$1_3@omega.dimensional.com...

Ken <user@domain.invalid> wrote :

Melissa wrote:
Ken <user@domain.invalid> wrote :


Melissa wrote:

I have a universal ac adapter with one size plug tip and I want to
plug it into something that takes a smaller sized plug tip.
Without
having to buy a whole new adapter power pack, does anyone know
where I
can just get a inexpensive package of plug tip adapters, that
could
change one size plug into another?

Try Radio Shack.

I did, all they have is their newer models of adapters with all
kinds
of expensive plugs to match. Planned obsolescence so they can rake
you
for more bucks.

You may be right, but did you check in the section where the
electronic
components are located?? There might be a separate section for
power
adapters and wall warts, which of course would be more costly.

I didn't want to have to buy even more power adapters, I have about a
dozen
of them around here now. I just need to adapt one of the adapters I
have
now, to the plug that I need it to go into.

Someone somewhere on the web must sell tip adapters to convert one tip
to
another size. If I new what they were called, I might even find them
cheap
on Ebay.

Rat Shark sells a pin plug on the end of a 6 foot cord, with bare wires
on the other end. You can leave it that long or cut it off much
shorter, and solder the bare wires onto the end of your adapter. The
pin plug then gives you the ability to purchase ny one of their
adapters, each one having a different letter designation. The pin plug
plugs into the adapter, with the '+' signs matching or not matching if
you want to reverse the polarity. If you can;t find this. then buy the
extension which has a male pin plug on one end and a female on the
other. Just cut off the right end and solder it to the adapter. Use a
short length of heatshrink tubing on each conductor before you solder.
Makes for a neat job.

From this point on, you should be able to change the adapter end to any
of their universal adapters, assuming they still sell them in the
future. Never really know for certain if they will..

> --

 

[Watson A.Name - \"Watt Su]

<William P.N. Smith> wrote in message
news:callu09imekr99erhpp3hef488tku8hkdd@4ax.com...

Melissa <melissa@colorado.xxx> wrote:
Ken <user@domain.invalid> wrote :
Melissa wrote:
just get a inexpensive package of plug tip adapters, that could
change
one size plug into another?

Try Radio Shack.

The home of "You've got questions, we've got blank stares." 8*)

I did, all they have is their newer models of adapters

I don't think the thing you want exists, as _usually_ the act of using
a wall wart with the product it didn't come with is a sure way of
destroying at least one of them.

I've seen that a number of times, where the uninformed consumer goes to
Rat Shaft and says I have a Panabaloney answering machine with rice
cooker that has a bad wall wart adapter. The salesdroid looks at the
wall wart and says this is what you need, and sells her a 12VDC, 1A or
so adapter along with the adapter plug that goes on the end, total
coming to the $20 or more range. She gets home and plugs the whole mess
together and burns out the answering machine with rice cooker because
no one told her that the polarity has to be observed when putting the
adapter plug into the pin plug of the adapter.

The moral is you've got questions, Rat Shaft gives only half the answer.

Now that the ans mach with rice cooker is burned out, the salesdroid can
sell her a new one when she comes back in and tells him that smoke came
out of the whole thing when she plugged it in. :-(

However, if you know anyone who can solder, you can buy the
appropriate plug end and have someone attach it to the wallwart of
your choice...

 

[Watson A.Name - \"Watt Su]

"Rich Webb" <bbew.ar@mapson.nozirev.ten> wrote in message
newsg2mu0dkotjgn7lslb7k6642jem5rmg111@4ax.com...

On 16 Jan 2005 14:35:25 -0700, Melissa <melissa@colorado.xxx> wrote:

[snip...snip...]
I can solder, I'm an ASET. I was just trying to save some time and
money
though, but I see it's not worth it, I'll just buy a new $12 adapter
that
comes with a dozen plug tips, and the heck with this.

AFAIK, there are no such beasts. As you noted, most of the time the
power supply and the consumer device are a "matched pair" and the
majority of users are not willing/able to try to use a wall wart from
one device on something else. So there's not a large market to begin
with.

I think they were trying to standardize power plug ends to minimize the
possibility of allowing someone to plug a 12V adapter into a 6V device,
and let the smoke out. But the various mfgrs don't seem to care.

Then there's the problem of so *many* different power plugs that would
have to be paired. Think of all the combinations of just the 9- to
25-pin RS-232 adapters. Probably not economical.

RS-232 is a standard pinout, and 9-pin is not RS-232, but it is also a
standard in the PC world, with essentially all of the same pins the
25-pin RS-232 connector has except pin 1, which is the body of the
9-pin. So there are only two ways to make a 9-pin to 25-pin serial
adapter: straight thru, or crossover AKA null modem. Almost all
adapters are straight thru.
See http://www.bcar.us/Common%20Cable%20Pinout%20Information.htm#3

If one knows what one is about, the easiest approach is just to cut
off
the old plug and solder on a new one or (if it needs saving) to buy a
plug and receptacle and make an adapter.

Good idea.

--
Rich Webb Norfolk, VA

 

[Michael]

Melissa wrote:

I have a universal ac adapter with one size plug tip and I want to plug it
into something that takes a smaller sized plug tip. Without having to buy a
whole new adapter power pack, does anyone know where I can just get a
inexpensive package of plug tip adapters, that could change one size plug
into another?

--
Yours In Liberty, Melissa - Colorado, U.S.A.
http://melissasliberty.blogspot.com/

The last best hope for liberty, to give the world its first Bill of
Rights: http://www.UPAlliance.org/billofrights.htm

Try here:
http://tinyurl.com/69rey