Need a Good AC Adapter for My Alarm Clock

Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
D

Davcoll

Honorable
Jun 28, 2014
146
0
10,680
Hello, the power cord to my alarm clock has recently been cut and I need to buy/find a new one. The alarm clock is this - http://www.amazon.com/Timex-Decorative-Alarm-Clock-Charging/dp/B004I8WHC4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1454521019&sr=8-1&keywords=timex+t128

Keep in mind that I'm not an expert when it comes to power cords, let alone AC adapters. But after a few minutes of searching, I've stumbled upon these: http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-AC-OUTPUT-Adapter-9V-12V-13V-up-to-800mA-4-7-x-1-7-mm-Tip-60-Day-Warranty-/321907909276?hash=item4af334e29c:g:TBIAAOxyGwNTBtYM http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/261084807853?ul_noapp=true&chn=ps&lpid=82 and http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vtech-AC-Adapter-Input-AC-120V-60Hz-150mA-Output-DC-7-5V-3W-/201515803808?hash=item2eeb4724a0:g:2FIAAOSwgQ9Vwlvq

Will any of the above adapters work? Please post your suggestions/tips below.
 
Solution
Ralston18
The polarity is pretty straightforward provided the label is clear.

You should see what looks like an uppercase letter C with a dot in the middle. The left side of the C will have a short line running to the left with either a "-" sign or a "+" sign at the end.

Then from the dot in the middle will be a line running to the right (away from and out of the open side of the C and that line will have the opposite sign either a "-" or a "+" but the opposite of what you see on the "C" line.

Look at your adapter and any others that you may have handy. You will see the pattern even if it is not immediately clear.

Your linked image (ebay) just above shows the C as "-" and the dot as "+".

Also clear on the earlier ebay image.

Could...
Sort by date Sort by votes
Ralston18

Ralston18

Titan
Moderator
Oct 11, 2014
34,868
3,321
146,290
Can you post a picture of the adapter whose cord was cut?

Barring that you need to match the voltage, the mA, the polarity, and the tip size.

All four specifications should be clearly stated on the replacement device you are considering.

The polarity is shown as a little diagram indicating the center pin and the outer ring. One will be marked "+" and the other "-".

And by the way, if you are at all handy you can repair the cut with some simple splicing. Just do not do a splice with the transformer plugged in. And look at the two wires carefully so you correctly splice + to + and - to -. Fine wires can make the splice tricky but worth a shot. Maybe you know someone who could do the splice.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
D

Davcoll

Honorable
Jun 28, 2014
146
0
10,680


I'm not that good at splicing, and the piece that goes into the alarm clock broke off. I measured the socket for my Alarm Clock and found this - http://www.ebay.com/itm/AC-Converter-Adapter-DC-5V-800mA-Power-Supply-Charger-US-plug-5-5mm-x-2-1mm-0-8A-/351347259073?_trksid=p2141725.m3641.l6368 All of the stats seem to be the exact same as the one I used. Only thing that I can't speak on is the polarity, which I'm not really sure how to identify; on the alarm clock it simply shows --O-+. I found a legitimate replacement, but it is much more expensive - http://www.amazon.com/UpBright%C2%AE-Adapter-S004LU0500080-Switching-Charger/dp/B00SF3ZGOE

I can't post a picture of the adapter, sadly, but I can provide everything it says on the back of it: TIMEX T128B

SWITCHING POWER SUPPLY
MODEL: S004LU0500080
INPUT: 100-240~50-60Hz 150mA
OUTPUT: 5V===800mA

I am considering trying out the first one since it's cheap, do you have any other suggestions?
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Ralston18

Ralston18

Titan
Moderator
Oct 11, 2014
34,868
3,321
146,290
The polarity is pretty straightforward provided the label is clear.

You should see what looks like an uppercase letter C with a dot in the middle. The left side of the C will have a short line running to the left with either a "-" sign or a "+" sign at the end.

Then from the dot in the middle will be a line running to the right (away from and out of the open side of the C and that line will have the opposite sign either a "-" or a "+" but the opposite of what you see on the "C" line.

Look at your adapter and any others that you may have handy. You will see the pattern even if it is not immediately clear.

Your linked image (ebay) just above shows the C as "-" and the dot as "+".

Also clear on the earlier ebay image.

Could not determine the polarity on the amazon image.....not sharp enough.

Adapters are massed produced and made as cheaply as possible.

The ebay adapter is coming direct from China and there is shipping.

The amazon product is more expensive but if you are a Prime Member and/or purchase other items shipping is free. Probably have better luck with a return if need be.

If the clock is in good shape and worth keeping then a reliable legitimate adapter is litterally your best bet. A bad/cheap adapter is just more likely, I think, to fail in a manner to ruin the clock.


 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Solution
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page

COMPANY
RESOURCES
FOLLOW
Top Bottom