Hi Group,
Just tried to power up my old 400 Mhz G3 laptop to retreive some data and discovered that the power supply is no longer charging the computer. Assume I must have damaged the adapter recently when my kid tripped over it.
Firstly can I test the power supply some how with a volt meter? (I tried to test and all reading were zero. Also tried to test working 65W model again zero.)
I have a G4 15 inch laptop with a 65W power supply. Is there any way I can use this via an adpater to charge the older model powerbook or do I need to purchase a new 45W power supply?
Any suggestions on options most welecome.
Stuart.
In article 1127617124.104353.34510@redacted.invalid, stuie_norris@redacted.invalid wrote:
Hi Group,
Just tried to power up my old 400 Mhz G3 laptop to retreive some data and discovered that the power supply is no longer charging the computer. Assume I must have damaged the adapter recently when my kid tripped over it.
Firstly can I test the power supply some how with a volt meter? (I tried to test and all reading were zero. Also tried to test working 65W model again zero.)
Be more specific about what tests you performed. Note that the output of your power supply is DC, not AC. If you've got your meter set on the wrong range, you won't see anything. The power supply itself should be marked for output voltage. Note that you cannot measure current unless there's a load on the supply.
I have a G4 15 inch laptop with a 65W power supply. Is there any way I can use this via an adpater to charge the older model powerbook or do I need to purchase a new 45W power supply?
AFAIK, there's no adapter from the smaller (newer) connector to the larger (older) one. Otherwise, there is no problem using a higher-rated supply on the device. I'd look at eBay and other sources of used components (I've got an UFO-style supply I'd be willing to sell, buried in some box somewhere, I think) before buying a new supply.
Any suggestions on options most welecome.
Stuart.
Yes you can test the adapter with a voltmeter; if you have a steady hand. The first ring, the one near the tip is negative and the inner ring should be 24 volts. The trick is to make contact with the rings, both of which are buried inside the sleeve, without shorting them together. Remember the sleeve and the tip are NOT connected to the power supply but they will short your test probes.
As for checking the adapter, I would start with the cords. Both the AC power and DC (the one to the machine) cords will break. (copper work hardens) The adapters themselves seem to be quite resistant to accidents.
KLK
In article 1127617124.104353.34510@redacted.invalid, stuie_norris@redacted.invalid wrote:
Hi Group,
<...>
Firstly can I test the power supply some how with a volt meter? (I tried to test and all reading were zero. Also tried to test working 65W model again zero.)
I have a G4 15 inch laptop with a 65W power supply. Is there any way I can use this via an adpater to charge the older model powerbook or do I need to purchase a new 45W power supply?
Any suggestions on options most welecome.
Stuart.