Radio Shack DC Power Adapter Owner's Manual

Universal Notebook
Computer DC Power
Adapter

Owner’s Manual

Please read before using this equipment.

ˆ

Contents

Features ................................................................................. 6

Preparation ............................................................................ 8

Adjusting Output Voltage ................................................. 8

Selecting an Adaptaplug .................................................. 9

Installing an Adaptaplug ................................................ 10

Using the Adapter ........................................................... 11

Replacing the Fuse .............................................. .......... 13

Troubleshooting .................................................................. 14

Case Temperature ......................................................... 15

Care ............................................................... ... ... .......... 15

Specifications ..................................................... ................ 16

Compatible Computers ...................................................... 18

©

2000 RadioShack Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

RadioShack, RadioShack.com, and Adaptaplug

are trademarks used by RadioShack Corporation.

Compaq is registered by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

2

WARNING

pose this product to rain or moisture.

:

To reduce the risk of fire or shock hazard, do not ex-

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK.

DO NOT OPEN.

CAUTION

DO NOT REMO VE COVER OR BACK. NO USER-SERVICEABLE
PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSON­NEL.

!

: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK,

This symbol is intended to alert you to the pres­ence of uninsulated dangerous voltage within the
product’s enclosure that might be of sufficient
magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock.
Do not open the product’s case.

This symbol is intended to inform you that impor­tant operating and maintenance instructions are
included in the literature accompanying this prod­uct.

!

3

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

This manual contains important safety and operating instruc­tions for your adapter. Before you use the adapter, read all the
instructions and cautionary markings in this manual, on the
adapter, and on the product that you will connect to the adapter.

Warnings:

• Do not disassemble the adapter; take it to a qualified ser-

• Do not use an attachment not recommended or sold by

• Never push any object into the air ventilation slots and

• Slots and openings on the bottom of the adapter are for

• Unplug the adapter from the DC power source before

• Do not operate the adapter with damaged input or output

To reduce the risk of injury:

vice technician when service or repair is required. Improper
reassemble may result in the risk of fire.

RadioShack or this could result in a risk of fire, injury to per­sons, or damage to personal property.

openings in the adapter. It could short out parts resulting in
a fire.

ventilation. To ensure reliable operation, and to protect the
adapter from overheating, be sure these openings are not
blocked or covered.

attempting to adjust voltage, change the Adaptaplug, or
clean the adapter. Do not use liquid aerosol cleaners. Use
a damp cloth for cleaning, then wipe the adapter dry imme­diately.

cords or plugs.

4

• Make sure the cords are not located where they will be
stepped on, tripped over or otherwise subjected to damage
or stress.

• Disconnect the plugs from the socket by pulling on the
plugs rather than the cord directly.

• If your adapter does not operate normally, particularly if
unusual sounds or smells come from it, immediately unplug
it and contact your local RadioShack.

5

ˆ

Features

Your RadioShack Universal Notebook Computer DC Power
Adapter powers notebook computers and other electronic de­vices by converting a nominal 12-volt input voltage to a reg ulat­ed output voltage. It is reverse-voltage, over-current, and short­circuit protected.

Caution:

biles, trucks, and boats, on commercial aircraft, or with 12V DC
portable power sources and is safe for outdoor use. Care
should be taken not to expose the adapter to rain, snow or wa­ter as moisture could damage internal components.

The compact, lightweight adapter fits inside most computer car­rying cases, and can recharge your computer's internal battery.
The adapter comes with a deluxe, padded vinyl case.

Your adapter's features include:

User-Adjustable Voltage Settings

cific output voltage (in one-volt increments) by simply setting a
switch. The adapter can be set to deliver any voltage from 9 to
24V DC at up to 30 watts maximum.

Interchangeable Adaptaplug

five supplied RadioShack Adaptaplugs to connect the ad apter
to most notebook computers. Additional Adaptaplugs are avail­able at your local RadioShack store.

Special Custom Compaq

paq laptop computers.

6

This adapter is intended for mobile use in automo-

— lets you select the spe-

™

Connectors



Plug

— fits different types of Com-

Features

— use one of the

Power Indicator

— an indicator lights when a power adapter is
properly connected and turns off when there is a fault in the cir­cuit.

Cigarette-Lighter Fuse Holder

— protects the adapter and the

automobile in the unlikely event of a short circuit.

Regulated Output Voltage

— keeps the voltage stable within
an input range between 11 and 16 volts to ensure th e proper
voltage is delivered to sensitive electronic components.

Low Input Voltage Shutdown Circuit

— shuts down the
adapter when the input voltage falls below 7.6V DC to safe­guard your vehicle’s battery.

Input Coil Cord

— a special polyurethane material with “mem­ory” capability enables the cord to stretch up to 5 feet and return
to its original compact size of about 12 inches to prevent tan­gling.

Features

7

ˆ

Preparation

ADJUSTING OUTPUT VOLTAGE

Warning:

not use it with devices that are not specifically identified as re­quiring DC voltage. Do not use it with devices that require AC
voltage. Damage to the device could result.

Follow these steps to adjust the output voltage.

Caution:

the adapter to an input power source.

1. Determine the required output voltage setting of the

Your adapter provides direct current (DC) voltage. Do

Make the proper voltage setting before you connect

adapter by one of the following four methods:

• Refer to “Compatible Computers” on Page 18 for volt­age, tip size, and polarity settings.

• Note the voltage indication marked next to the input jack
on the device to be powered. Example:

18VDC

.

• Review the power or ID plate on the device to be p ow­ered. Look for the word

VDC

and

• Review the power or ID plate on the AC power adapter
usually used to power the device. Look for the word

“OUTPUT”
OUTPUT: 18VDC

. Example:

followed by a number and

“INPUT”

INPUT: 18VDC

.

Vin = 18VDC

followed by a number

.

VDC.

Example:

or

8

Preparation

If the power adapter or computer indicates a voltage range,
use the voltage closest to the mid-range. Example:

PUT: 10–16VDC

Note:

The specific notation “VDC” might
not be indicated. Instead, the international
symbol shown to the right might be used.

In rare cases when the voltage setting is between whole
numbers, such as 15.5VDC, use the lower setting first
(15VDC). If the device does not seem to operate properly,
readjust it to the higher value (16VDC).

2. Use the supplied tool, or a small, flat-bladed screwdriver, to
turn the voltage selector dial until the arrow points to the
desired voltage.

; set the power supply to 13VDC.

OUT-

SELECTING AN ADAPTAPLUG

The adapter comes with five Adaptaplugs and a Compaq cus­tom plug. The Adaptaplug colors and sizes are:

• Blue (M) — 5.5 × 2.1 mm

• White (N) — 5.5 × 2.5 mm

• Yellow (D) 5.5 × 3.3 × 1.0 mm

• Green (Q) — 6.3 × 3 mm

• Yellow (T) — 6.5 × 4.3 × 1.4 mm

Preparation

9

To select the correct Adaptaplug:

1. Disconnect the AC adapter you are replacing from the AC
outlet and from the device to be powered.

2. Refer to “Compatible Computers” on Page 18 or examine
the output connector of your computer’s AC adapter and
compare it with the Adaptaplugs supplied with your
adapter.

3. Select the Adaptaplug that resembles the original plug and
insert it into the device to be powered. It is important that
the inside and outside diameter be the correct size to
ensure proper electrical contact. If it is too small or large,
additional Adaptaplugs are available at your local
RadioShack store.

Note:

Some Compaq models require the special Compaq

plug.

INSTALLING AN ADAPTAPLUG

Warning:

sure that the Adaptaplug is installed correctly. If you have trou­ble installing it, take the device to be powered (with all its acces­sories) and your adapter to your local RadioShack store for
assistance.

Caution:

to an input power source.
To use your adapter, your computer must have a DC input jack

and you must determine the polarity of this jack to correctly con­nect the adapter.

10

To avoid damage to the device you are using, make

Install the Adaptaplug before you connect the adapter

Preparation