Archived from groups: alt.internet.wireless (
More info?)
On Wed, 29 Dec 2004 10:08:52 +0000 (UTC),
dold@XReXXNeedX.usenet.us.com wrote:
>Jeff Liebermann <jeffl@comix.santa-cruz.ca.us> wrote:
>> However, if you're ever again stuck with the same problem, and the
>> incompetent manufacturer didn't see fit to label the power adapter
>> requirments (and polarity) on the case, you can always lookup the
>> FCCID number at:
>>
https://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/oet/cf/eas/reports/GenericSearch.cfm
>> The power adapters are type certified along with the equipment and are
>> always both listed and photographed. You'll find the FCC ID on the
>> serial number tag.
>That's downright handy. I always use a label maker to add the device
>information to the power adapter. Even if they have the same vendor name
>on them, I still want to be sure I have the right one. It also makes it
>easier to power cycle a device by pulling the right plug at the power
>strip. SMC7004AWBR - FCC ID HED7004ACC - Same DVE power supply as the
>SMC7004WFW. That doesn't match the original poster's comments, though.
>It's 9v, not 12v. Maybe there's more than one SMC7004AWBR.
I could spew some boring history on why the wall wart has to be type
certified along with the device. As usual, it was politics, not
technology that drove the decision. Think TI-99/4A game machine.
That SMC7004AWBR router isn't the only device that will run on an
assortment of power adapter voltages. Well designed switching power
supplies inside the boxes do the trick. Do you recall when I tested
my BEFW11S4 and found that it would run just fine with an applied
voltage down to about 3.7VDC even though the sticker said 12VDC?
http://www.LearnByDestroying.com/pics/drivel/slides/low-volt.html
Same with a WRT54Gv2 when I tested it. Looking through the FCC data
on the various WRT54G mutations, I found that the original adapter was
5VDC, while the current one is 12VDC. Juggling adapter voltages is
common.
The apparent trend is towards having everything run on 12VDC. There
are various techy reasons for this, but the obvious motivation is
cost. 12VDC seems to be the most common wall wart and therefore the
cheapest. I haven't bothered to calculate the efficiency, but
methinks 12VDC might offer some benifits there. It's a tradeoff
between diode forward conduction losses in the wall wart, versus
switching regulator efficiency in the box. A project for another day.
Anyways, one of the side benifits is that the boxes can be run off of
12VDC solar power, cheezy battery packs, GelCells, automobile power,
and a common power bus. Also, don't assume that just because the
sticker says "12VDC 1Amp" that the unit actually draws 1A (or smokes
12watts). That's just the rating on the wall wart, not the current
drain. It's always less than the sticker rating. Usually much less.
--
Jeff Liebermann jeffl@comix.santa-cruz.ca.us
150 Felker St #D
http://www.LearnByDestroying.com
Santa Cruz CA 95060 AE6KS 831-336-2558