Radio Shack Notebook Computer Universal 30W Power... User manual

Cat. No. 273-1825
OWNER’S MANUAL
Please read before using this equipment.
Notebook Computer
Universal 30W Power Adapter
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©1998, 1999 Tandy Corporation.
All Rights Reserved.
RadioShack and Adaptaplug are registered trademarks used by Tandy Corporation.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or shock hazard, do not
expose this product to rain or moisture.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK. DO NOT
OPEN.
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC
SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER OR BACK. NO USER-
SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO
QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.
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 instruc-
tions are included in the literature accompany-
ing this product.
!
!
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FEATURES
Your RadioShack Notebook Computer Universal 30W Power
Adapter powers notebook computers and other electronic de-
vices by converting a nominal 12-volt input voltage to a regu-
lated output voltage of from 6 to 21 volts at up to 30 watts of
continuous power.
Caution: This power adapter is intended for mobile use in
automobiles, trucks, 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 compo-
nents.
The compact, lightweight power adapter fits inside most com-
puter carrying cases, and can recharge your computer’s in-
ternal battery. The adapter comes with a deluxe, padded
vinyl case. It is reverse-voltage, over-current, over-tempera-
ture, and short-circuit protected.
Your power adapter’s features include:
User-Adjustable Voltage Settings — you select the specific
output voltage (in one-volt increments) by setting a switch.
The power adapter can be set to deliver any voltage from 6 to
21V DC at up to 30 watts maximum.
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Interchangeable Adaptaplug®Connectors — three Ra-
dioShack Adaptaplug adapters are included with your power
adapter for connecting it to most notebook computers. Addi-
tional Adaptaplugs are available from RadioShack.
Power Indicators — the power adapter has two indicators.
One is located on the cigarette-lighter plug and lights when
input power is available. The other is located on the power
adapter and stays lit when conditions are normal and turns off
if there is a fault in the circuit.
Cigarette-Lighter Fuse Holder — a glass fuse is located in-
side the cigarette-lighter input connector to protect the adapt-
er and the automobile in the unlikely event of a short circuit.
Regulated Output Voltage — keeps the voltage stable with-
in an input range between 11 and 16 volts. This permits the
power adapter to be attached to a device even when high in-
put “surge” voltages might be present, such as when its bat-
tery is charging. The adapter also ensures that the proper
voltage is always delivered to sensitive electronic compo-
nents.
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Low Input Voltage Shutdown — a special circuit shuts
down the adapter when the input voltage falls below 10V DC.
This safeguards batteries used to power the adapter that are
susceptible to damage when operated below such voltages.
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.
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CONTENTS
Safety Instructions ............................................................ 7
Preparation ........................................................................ 9
Adjusting Output Voltage ............................................. 9
Selecting the Adaptaplug ........................................... 11
Installing the Adaptaplug ............................................ 12
Using the Adapter ........................................................... 14
Replacing the Fuse .................................................... 16
Troubleshooting .............................................................. 17
Specifications .................................................................. 19
Compatible Notebook Computers ................................. 21
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SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
This manual contains important safety and operating instruc-
tions for your power adapter. Before you use the power
adapter, read all the instructions and cautionary markings in
this manual, on the power adapter, and on the product that
you will connect to the power adapter.
Warning: To reduce the risk of injury:
• Do not disassemble the power adapter; take it to your
local RadioShack store when service or repair is
required. Improper reassembly may result in the risk of
fire.
• Do not use an attachment not recommended or sold by
RadioShack or this could result in a risk of fire, injury to
persons, or damage to personal property.
• Never push any object into the air ventilation slots and
openings in the power adapter. It could short out parts
resulting in a fire.
Caution: To reduce the risk of damage:
• Do not expose the power adapter to rain or excessive
moisture.
• Do not operate the power adapter if it has been dam-
aged in any way. Take it to your local RadioShack store
for repair.
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• Slots and openings on the top and bottom of the power
adapter are for ventilation. To ensure reliable operation,
and to protect the adapter from overheating, be sure
these openings are not blocked or covered.
• Unplug the power adapter from the DC power source
before attempting to adjust voltage, change tips, or clean
it. Do not use liquid aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth
for cleaning, then wipe it dry immediately.
• Do not operate the power adapter with damaged input or
output cords or plugs.
• Make sure the cords are not located where they will be
stepped on, tripped over, or otherwise subjected to dam-
age or stress.
• Disconnect the plugs from the socket by pulling directly
on the plugs rather than the cord.
• If your power adapter does not operate normally, in par-
ticular if unusual sounds or smells come from it, immedi-
ately unplug it and contact your local RadioShack store.
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PREPARATION
ADJUSTING OUTPUT VOLTAGE
Warning: Your power adapter provides direct current (DC)
voltage. Do 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.
Caution: Make the proper voltage setting before you connect
the power adapter to an input power source.
Follow these steps to adjust the output voltage.
1. Determine the required output voltage setting of the
power adapter by one of the following four methods:
• Refer to “Compatible Notebook Computers” on Page
22 for voltage, tip color, and polarity settings.
• Note the voltage indication marked next to the input
jack on the device to be powered. Example:
Vin = 18V
DC
or 18V DC .
• Review the power or ID plate on the device to be pow-
ered. Look for the word
“INPUT” followed by a number
and
V DC . Example: INPUT: 18V DC .
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• Review the power or ID plate on the AC power
adapter usually used to power the device. Look for the
word
“OUTPUT” followed by a number and V DC.
Example: OUTPUT: 18V DC .
If the power adapter or computer indicates a “voltage
range,” use the voltage that is closest to the mid-range.
Example: OUTPUT: 10–16V DC ; set the power supply to
13V DC.
Note: The specific notation “V DC” might not
be indicated. Instead, the international sym-
bol shown to the right might be used.
In rare cases when the voltage setting is between whole
numbers, such as 15.5V DC, use the lower setting first
(15V DC). If the device does not seem to operate prop-
erly, readjust it to the higher value (16V DC).
2. Remove the protective label covering
the voltage selector. Then, using the
tool provided, or a small flat-blade
screwdriver, turn the adjustment dial
to align its arrow with the required
setting on the label.
V
S
E
T
V
O
L
T
A
G
E
B
E
F
O
R
E
U
S
E
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
678
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 21
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SELECTING THE ADAPTAPLUG
The power adapter comes with three Adaptaplugs. The in-
cluded colors and sizes are:
• Blue — 5.5 ×2.1 mm
• White — 5.5 ×2.5 mm
• Green — 6.3 ×3 mm
To select the correct Adaptaplug:
1. Disconnect the AC power adapter you are replacing from
the AC outlet and from the device to be powered.
2. Refer to “Compatible Computers” on Page 21, or exam-
ine the output connector of the AC adapter and compare
it to the three Adaptaplugs supplied with your power
adapter.
3. Select the Adaptaplug that resembles the original plug
and insert it into the device to be powered. It is important
that the center contact or pin be the correct size to
ensure proper electrical contact. If it is too small or large,
additional Adaptaplugs are available from RadioShack.
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INSTALLING THE ADAPTAPLUG
Warning: To avoid damage to the device you are using,
make sure the Adaptaplug is installed correctly. If you have
trouble installing it, take the device to be powered (with all its
accessories) and your power adapter to your local Ra-
dioShack store for assistance.
Caution: Install the Adaptaplug before you connect the pow-
er adapter to an input power source.
To use your power adapter, your computer must have a DC
input jack and you must determine the polarity of this jack to
correctly connect the adapter. Most DC input jacks are
marked with a symbol that looks like one of these:
Symbol A means that the outside of the jack is positive (+)
and the inside or “TIP” is negative (–). Symbol B means the
“TIP” is positive. The power adapter’s plug must match your
device’s DC input jack with respect to polarity (positive to
positive and negative to negative).
B
A
++––
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Note: If the polarity symbol is not displayed on the device to
be powered, it might appear on an ID plate on the computer
power supply or the original power adapter (see “Compatible
Computers” on Page 21).
Based on the jack’s polarity, insert the Adaptaplug into the
output cable by aligning the correct polarity symbol (+ or –)
on the Adaptaplug with the word TIP on the output cord.
Tip Negative (-)
Ti
p
Ne
g
ative
(
+
)
TIP
-
TIP
+
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USING THE ADAPTER
After you have properly adjusted the output voltage and in-
stalled the Adaptaplug, follow these steps to use your adapt-
er.
1. Insert the Adaptaplug’s tip into the DC input jack on the
device to be powered.
2. Insert the power adapter’s cigarette-lighter plug into any
DC outlet with a power rating of 12V DC.
Suitable receptacles include automobile cigarette-lighter
sockets and 12-volt power ports, portable 12-volt battery
packs, airline seats with 11 to 16V DC capabilities and
the appropriate receptacles, and solar panels with power
capabilities of 11 to 16 volts at 40 watts (minimum).
The green indicators on both the cigarette-lighter plug
and the power adapter’s case turn on when the adapter
is properly connected and the device is receiving power.
Notes:
• If the green indicator on the cigarette-lighter plug does
not light, disconnect the power adapter and check the
power source. Some automobiles require the ignition
to be turned on, or to the ACC (accessory) position to
provide power to the cigarette-lighter socket.
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• If the green indicator on the power adapter’s case
does not light, disconnect the adapter from the device
being powered, then check the Adaptaplug’s connec-
tion for the correct orientation.
Caution: Save your data frequently! If you operate your note-
book computer after removing its internal battery, an interrup-
tion in power might result in an immediate computer
shutdown and possible data loss. Such a power interruption
could be caused by:
• Accidentally disconnecting either end of the power
adapter.
• Starting your vehicle.
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REPLACING THE FUSE
If the green indicator on the cigarette-lighter plug does not
light after disconnecting the device to be powered, remove
the cigarette-lighter plug from the receptacle and check its
fuse. To remove the fuse, turn the plug’s knurled knob (4)
counterclockwise, then remove the tip cap (3). Lift up one end
of the plug so the fuse (2) and the spring (1) fall out. Check
the fuse and if necessary, replace the fuse with a 6A fast-
blow 1/4'' ×11/4'' glass fuse.
Caution: Do not use a fuse with ratings other than those
specified. Doing so might damage your adapter.
To reassemble the cigarette-lighter plug’s fuse holder, insert
the spring, then the fuse. Replace the tip cap, then the knob.
Turn the knob clockwise to tighten it.
43 2 1
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TROUBLESHOOTING
Some notebook computers have power supplies in excess of
the rating of this power adapter (30 watts). In most cases, this
higher rating is used to both charge a completely discharged
battery and power the computer at the same time. This power
adapter can be used for such applications, but it is recom-
mended that the computer’s battery be recharged before us-
ing this adapter to operate the computer.
Caution: Except as noted for notebook computers (see
“Compatible Computers” on Page 21), the power adapter’s
30-watt rating must be equal to or greater than the require-
ment of the device to be powered. Using an adapter that pro-
vides less current can damage the adapter or the device
being powered.
In the unlikely event of insufficient power, you may encounter
slower battery charging time or automatic shutdown of the
power adapter. In case of automatic shutdown, try one or
more of these steps to reset the adapter:
• Disconnect the power adapter from the device being
powered for about 30 minutes or until the adapter case
returns to room temperature and the green indicator
comes on, indicating the adapter is ready.
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• Completely recharge the battery before using the com-
puter. Use the power adapter to charge the battery, but
do not operate the computer during charging.
• If the battery is easily removable, remove it from the
computer to eliminate the power requirement for
recharging.
Note: The power adapter can be used to charge the bat-
tery in your notebook computer by connecting it to the
computer with the battery installed, and leaving the com-
puter turned off.
Case Temperature
This adapter is a high energy “switching regulated power
supply” and generates a significant amount of heat when
used at peak power for extended periods. As a safety feature,
an internal precision circuit monitors power and temperature
and limits the output to within safe limits. Even with this fea-
ture, the case can become warm to the touch.
When using this power adapter, care should be taken to
avoid blocking the air vents in the case. When possible, it is
recommended that the case be positioned to enable maxi-
mum air circulation.
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SPECIFICATIONS
Input
Voltage ................................................................ 11–16V DC
Power ............................................................ 4A (Maximum)
In-Rush Current .............................................. 5A, Cold Start
@ Room Temperature (77°F/25°C)
Standby Current (Minimum) ................... 14.1 mA @ 11V DC
16.5 mA @ 13.8V DC
18.3 mA @ 16V DC
Protection Features ............................................ Fused Input
Reverse Voltage
Over Current
Over Temperature Foldback
Fuse .................... 6A/250V Fast-Blow 1/4'' ×11/4'' Glass Type
Cord ..................... 4-Foot UL Coiled Cord, Extended Length
Connector ............................... Cigarette-Lighter Plug, Fused
Output
Programmable Voltages .....................................6 to 21V DC
Voltage Regulation ....................................... ±5% or ±5V DC
Power ................................................... 30 Watts (Maximum)
Output Cord ......................... About 1.5 Feet with Receptacle
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Mechanical
Dimensions ......................................... 1.7 ×1.4 ×2.6 Inches
(43 ×36 ×66 mm)
Weight ............................................................ Less than 8 oz
(227 g)
Enclosure .............. Injection Molded Cycolac ABS, UL94V-0
Indicators ................ Input Power-On LED (Cigarette Lighter)
Output Power-On LED (Case)
Environmental
Temperature:
Maximum Performance .......... 32° to 122°F (0° to 50°C)
Operation .......................... –22° to 140°F (–30 to 60°C)
Storage ............................... –22° to 185°F (–30 to 85°C)
Humidity:
Operation ........................ 10–90% RH Non-Condensing
Storage .............................. 5–95% RH Non-Condensing
Altitude:
Operation ............ –1,000 to 10,000 ft (–300 to 3,000 m)
Storage .............. –1,000 to 49,000 ft (–300 to 15,000 m)
Specifications are typical; individual units might vary. Specifi-
cations are subject to change and improvement without no-
tice.
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