[Ghost Ninja]

Hello all, I need to order a new power supply and I came across at least two different sizes. Fright Props lists their connectors at 5.5 mm x 2.1 mm and many listed on Ebay and elsewhere are listed as 5.5 mm x 2.5 mm.


So my question is will they work interchangeably? I suppose I could cut it off and attach my own female end to match.


Second question, on Ebay I see a lot of low price power supplies that seem to be designed for printers or monitors, but they are 12v 5a. Would they work on wiper motor prop?

Thanks in advance.

 

[J-Man]

The answer to your first question is no, they are not interchangeable. The second number is the diameter of the inner pin. As for the power supplies, wiper motors require a decent amount of current to operate, just because a power supply claims it is rated at 5A doesn't necessarily mean it will work, it may, but it may not. The ones that are sold buy places like FrightProps or MonsterGuts are guaranteed to work.

 

[Ghost Ninja]

Thanks J-Man!!!

 

[bfjou812]

What is the size of the receptacle that you have on the motor? I would match that first and if that doesn't work ,do as you stated about putting your own receptacle on. The amperage should be ok ,but I would try to find a power supply that has more amp capacity
I've used these before and never had a problem with them.
http://www.mpja.com/12-Volt-Power-Supply-85A-Meanwell/productinfo/19506 PS/

 

[CreepyCreations]

Everyone seems to be in agreement here... more amps, need a matching connector. I've used old laptop power supplies that run around 5 Amps and they've been ok, but it partially depends on the application (high torque/power required, etc.). Old PC power supplies work GREAT, but obviously don't have the required connector pre-attached, so you'd have to wire something up yourself.

 

[Blarghity]

slicing off the existing adapter plug and attaching your own isn't the greatest of ideas. Those plugs are polarized, meaning the current always flows one particular way. The new plus you attached has to be connected the same way, or you'll likely end up frying whatever you plug it into.

 

[bfjou812]

It's easy enough to find out the polarity, all you need is a volt meter . Hook it up to the stripped wire ,plug the power supply in and read the meter. If it is 12 volts note which wire the positive lead is on,usually red, and that is the positive wire from the power supply. If the reading is -12 volts The wire the negative lead, usually black, is the positive wire on the power supply. On a dc motor , the worst that will happen is the motor will rotate the opposite direction.

 

[Ghost Ninja]

Point taken. I've actually done it right and wrong before. Many wall warts have a diagram showing which part of the plug (inner or outer ring) is + or -.