Radio Shack Portable AC-to-DC Regulated Power Supply User manual

Cat. No. 22-503
OWNER’S MANUAL
Please read before using this equipment.
Portable AC-to-DC
Regulated Power Supply
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©1998 Tandy Corporation.
All Rights Reserved.
RadioShack is a registered trademark used by
Tandy Corporation.
FEATURES
Your RadioShack Portable AC-to-DC Regulated
Power Supply is designed to supply power to
equipment such as CB and ham radios and auto-
sound systems that require 12V DC power. The
power supply converts standard 120V or Europe-
an 220/240V AC power to regulated 13.8V DC
(vehicle) power. The power supply can supply up
to 3 amps (40 watts) of continuous power. Small
and portable in the supplied carry case, the pow-
er supply is easy to use in the field.
Note: Your vehicle’s electrical system provides
approximately 13.8 volts when the engine is run-
ning.
If you are an electronic hobbyist or technician,
you will appreciate the many uses for the power
supply at your workbench or in your home. For
example, you can use the power supply to power
a laptop computer or your CB mobile transceiver
as a base station, or check the operation of auto-
sound systems before you install them in your ve-
hicle.
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Not recommended for outdoor use.
This symbol is intended to alert you to the pres-
ence of uninsulated dangerousvoltage 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 impor-
tant operating and maintenance instructions are
included in the literature accompanying this prod-
uct.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK.
DO NOT OPEN.
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF
ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE
COVER OR BACK. NO USER-SERVICE-
ABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVIC-
ING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of
fire or shock hazard, do not ex-
pose this product to rain or mois-
ture.
!
!
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Your power supply’s features include:
Built-In Cigarette Lighter Socket — lets you
quickly connect a cigarette-lighter plug to the
power supply.
Over Temperature Protection Circuit — auto-
matically shuts off AC power to the power supply
if it overheats.
Current Overload Fuse Protection — the built-
in fuse automatically detects an output overload
and shuts off standard 120/240V AC current input
power to the power supply.
Lighted Power Switch — makes it easy to see if
the power supply is on.
Universal AC Input Voltage — lets you use
standard 120V or European 220/240V AC power
to power the power supply.
Output Short Circuit Protection — the power
supply automatically shuts off output power if the
output is shorted, then restores output power
when the short circuit is removed.
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Push-Terminal Connectors — let you easily
connect wires directly to the power supply.
This power supply has been tested and found to
comply with all applicable UL standards and FCC
requirements.
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IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
DANGER —TO REDUCE THE RISK
OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK,
CAREFULLY FOLLOW THESE IN-
STRUCTIONS
This manual contains important safety and oper-
ating instructions for this power supply. Before
you use the power supply, read all the instruc-
tions and cautionary markings in this manual, on
the power supply, and on theproduct that you will
connect to the power supply.
1. Read Instructions — All the safety and
operating instructions should be read before
the appliance is operated.
2. Retain Instructions — The safety and
operating instructions should be retained for
future reference.
3. Use in Countries other than USA — For
connection to a supply not in the USA, use
an attachment plug adapter of the proper
configuration for the power outlet.
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4. Heed Warnings — All warnings on the
appliance and in the operating instructions
should be adhered to.
5. Follow Instructions — All operating and
use instructions should be followed.
6. Cleaning — Unplug the power supply from
the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use
liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a
damp cloth for cleaning.
7. Attachments — Do not use attachments
not recommended by RadioShack as they
may cause hazards.
8. Water and Moisture — Do not use this
power supply near water — for example,
near a bath tub, wash bowl, kitchen sink, or
laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a
swimming pool.
9. Accessories — Do not place this power
supply on an unstable cart, stand, tripod,
bracket, or table. The power supply may fall,
causing serious injury to someone and seri-
ous damage to the appliance. Use only with
a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table recom-
mended by the manufacturer or sold with the
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power supply. Any mounting of the appliance
should follow the manufacturer’s instructions
and should use a mounting accessory rec-
ommended by the manufacturer. An appli-
ance and cart combination should be moved
with care.
Quick stops, excessive force, and uneven
surfaces may cause an appliance and cart
combination to overturn.
10. Ventilation — Slots and openings in the
cabinet and the back or bottom are provided
for ventilation and to ensure reliable opera-
tion of the power supply and to protect it
from overheating. These openings must not
be blocked or covered. The openings should
never be blocked by placing the power sup-
ply on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar sur-
face.
This power supply should never be placed
near or over a radiator or heat register. This
power supply should not be placed in a built-
in installation such as a bookcase or rack
unless proper ventilation is provided or the
manufacturer’s instructions have been
adhered to.
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11. Power Sources — This power supply
should be operated only from the type of
power source indicated on the marking
label. If you are not sure of the type of power
supplied to your home, consult your appli-
ance dealer or local power company.
12. Grounding and Polarization — This power
supply is equipped with a polarized alternat-
ing-current line plug (a plug having one
blade wider than the other). This plug will fit
into the power outlet only one way. This is a
safety feature. If you are unable to insert the
plug fully into the outlet, try reversing the
plug. If the plug should still fail to fit, contact
your electrician to replace your obsolete out-
let. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the
polarized plug.
13. Power-Cord Protection — Power-supply
cords should be routed so they are not likely
to be walked on or pinched by items placed
upon or against them, paying particular
attention to cords at plugs, convenience
receptacles, and the point where they exit
from the appliance.
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14. Extension Cords — Do not use an exten-
sion cord unless absolutely necessary.
Using an improper extension cord could
result in a risk of fire and electric shock. If an
extension cord must be used, make sure:
a. The pins on the extension cord’s plug are
of the same number, size, and shape as
those of the plug on the charger.
b. The extension cord is properly wired and
in good electrical condition.
c. The extension cord’s wire size is at least
18 AWG.
15. Lightning — For added protection for this
power supply during a lightning storm, or
when it is left unattended and unused for
long periods of time, unplug it from the wall
outlet. This will prevent damage to the power
supply due to lightning and power-line
surges.
16. Overloading — Do not overload wall outlets
and extension cords as this can result in a
risk of fire or electric shock.
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17. Object and Liquid Entry — Never push
objects of any kind into this power supply
through openings as they may touch dan-
gerous voltage points or short out parts that
could result in a fire or electric shock. Never
spill liquid of any kind on the power supply.
18. Servicing — Do not attempt to service this
power supply yourself, as opening or remov-
ing covers may expose you to dangerous
voltage or other hazards. Refer all servicing
to qualified service personnel.
19. Damage Requiring Service — Unplug this
power supply from the wall outlet and refer
servicing to qualified service personnel
under the following conditions:
• When the power-supply cord or plug is
damaged or frayed.
• If liquid has been spilled or objects have
fallen into the power supply.
• If the power supply has been exposed to
rain or water.
• If the power supply does not operate nor-
mally by following the operating instruc-
tions or if any unusual sounds or smells
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come from it. Adjust only those controls
that are covered by the operating instruc-
tions, as improper adjustment of other
controls may result in damage and will
often require extensive work by a qualified
technician to restore the power supply to
its normal operation.
• If the power supply has been dropped or
the cabinet has been damaged.
• When the power supply exhibits a distinct
change in performance — this indicates a
need for service.
20. Replacement Parts — When replacement
parts are required, be sure the service tech-
nician has used replacement parts, specified
by the manufacturer, that have the same
characteristics as the original part. Unautho-
rized substitutions may result in fire, electric
shock, injury to persons or other hazards.
21. Safety Check — Upon completion of any
service or repairs to this power supply, ask
the service technician to perform routine
safety checks to determine that the power
supply is in proper operating condition.
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22. Heat — This power supply product should
be situated away from heat sources such as
radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other
products (including amplifiers) that produce
heat.
SERVICE
1. Except as noted in this Owner’s Manual, do
not attempt to service this power supply
yourself. Instead, unplug it and contact a
qualified service technician.
2. Be sure the service technician uses autho-
rized replacement parts or their equivalents.
Unauthorized parts may cause fire, electrical
shock, or other hazards.
3. Following any service or repair, be sure the
service technician performs safety checks to
certify that your power supply is in safe oper-
ating order.
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CONNECTIONS
Caution: Make all other connections before you
connect the power supply to AC power.
CONNECTING A DEVICE
REQUIRING POSITIVE AND
NEGATIVE WIRES
Warnin
g
:To avoid damage to both the power
supply and the device:
• Follow the correct polarity when connecting
the power supply and the device.
• Do not let the ends of the positive and nega-
tive wires touch each other.
1. Turn off the device you are connecting to the
power supply.
2. Set POWER on the front of the power supply
to OFF.
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3. While pressing the red tab on the back of the
power supply, insert the device’s positive (+)
wire (usually red) into the hole next to the
red tab. Then release the tab to secure the
wire.
4. While pressing the black tab on the back of
the power supply, insert the device’s nega-
tive (–) wire (usually black or white) into the
hole next to the black tab. Then release the
tab to secure the wire.
5. Connect the power supply’s AC power cord
to a standard AC outlet.
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CONNECTING A DEVICE
REQUIRING A CIGARETTE-
LIGHTER SOCKET
You can connect a device that uses a cigarette-
lighter adapter to the power supply.
Cautions:
• You must use a cigarette-lighter adapter that
supplies 12 volts and delivers at least 3
amps of power. Its center tip must be set to
positive and its plug must fit the power jack
for the device you are powering. Using an
adapter that does not meet these specifica-
tions could damage the power supply, the
device you are powering, or the cigarette-
lighter adapter.
• Always plug the cigarette-lighter adapter
into the device you are powering before
you plug it into the power supply’s ciga-
rette-lighter socket. Always unplug the ciga-
rette-lighter adapter from the power supply’s
cigarette-lighter socket before you unplug it
from the device you are powering.
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1. Turn off the device you are connecting to the
power supply.
2. Set POWER to OFF.
3. Pull the tab on the cigarette-lighter socket’s
rubber cap on the side of the power supply
to expose the socket.
Notes:
• The rubber cap is attached to the power
supply. Do not try to remove it.
• Be sure to close the cigarette lighter
socket’s rubber cap when you are not
using the socket.
4. Connect the device’s DC power cord to the
power supply’s cigarette lighter socket.
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5. Connect the power supply’s AC cord to a
standard AC outlet.
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OPERATION
To turn the power supply on or off after you prop-
erly connect a device to it, set POWER to ON or
OFF. POWER lights when the power supply is
turned on.
Caution: If POWER does not light or the connect-
ed device stops operating:
• Check all connections and confirm the AC
outlet has power.
• Make sure the connected device and the
device’s DC power cord are not shorted or
overloaded. Then wait about 10 minutes for
the power supply to cool.
• The fuse inside the power supply might be
blown. If this happens, contact your local
RadioShack store.
Note: Your power supply’s temperature protec-
tion circuit automatically shuts down the power
supply if the power supply overheats. If this hap-
pens, turn off the power supply, then wait about
10 minutes or until the power supply cools before
you turn it on again.
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CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Your RadioShack Portable AC-to-DC Regulated
Power Supply is an example of superior design
and craftsmanship. The following suggestions
will help you care for your power supply so you
can enjoy it for years.
Keep the power supply dry. If it
gets wet, wipe it dry immediately.
Liquids might contain minerals
that can corrode the electronic cir-
cuits.
Use and store the power supply
only in normal temperature envi-
ronments. Temperature extremes
can shorten the life of electronic
devices and distort or melt plastic
parts.
Keep the power supply away from
dust and dirt, which can cause
premature wear of parts.
Handle the power supply gently
and carefully. Dropping it can
damage circuit boards and cases
and can cause the power supply
to work improperly.
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