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.
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