Topic: Computer component voltage question

[Patrick]

Thanks to TT and others I am now competent to handle the electrics on a bike, but this is much more complicated.

I recently picked up a Linksys bridge that I plan to hook into my wireless network. The bridge is used and it came without a power adaptor. The bridge notes that is takes a 5.0 VAC 2 A power source. I have a box full of adaptors, but nothing that matches that configuration exactly. I can do the amperage, but the voltage will be significantly higher. I can do the voltage, but the amperage will be significantly lower.

Which configuration is more likely to be successful powering this unit? High voltage and the right amperage or low amperage and the right amount of voltage. Since this is an old used bridge that I got for free I am not really interested in ordering a new adaptor from linksys. I would just as soon save that money and buy a new or used but much more modern bridge (this one if a B with only one ethernet port). I also prefer not to fry the unit because even if I cannot use it someone might be able to. I like the idea of a free bridge, so I'd like to make this work.

Any of our electrical wizards care to opine on this?

Patrick

[mlinder]

Low amperage and the same voltage is the only thing that might work. Low amperage can cause damage to electrical components over time, though.

[Steve F]

WTH is a bridge  (besides something you ride your SOHC/4 over)?  I suppose if I have to ask....

[mystic_1]

WTH is a bridge  (besides something you ride your SOHC/4 over)?  I suppose if I have to ask....

A bridge is like a switch, which is like a hub, which is like a thing that connects multiple computers to each other.


Patrick you'll want to match the required voltage and supply amps equal to or more than required.  The device will only pull as many amps as it wants.

mystic_1

[fuzzybutt]

lower amperage can cause overheating problems can it not? or is that too little voltage?


of all the things i've lost it's my mind i miss the most

[Patrick]

You're showing your age there, Steve. A bridge is a wireless device that picks up a wireless signal and converts it to a wired signal, allowing you to run remote devices that require an ethernet cable connection. In this case I really wanted to run three devices (a computer, the Blu-ray player and the Direct TV receiver), but the freebie came with only one port. I considered running an old router I have as a switch off the bridge so I could run all three. I do not expect to use more than one device at a time.

I'm not that worried about damage over time to the bridge. I am most concerned about a spectacular failure that would send a pulse up the ethernet cable and fry the router or the single device I hook it up to. The configuration on this is strange, though. I have several adaptors that will match 5.0, if you are talking about VDC, but the AC voltage on the adaptors I have that approach the amperage all have much higher VAC - like between 12 and 20 volts.

Maybe I'll hook it up to an adaptor and let it run for a while before I hook the cable up just to make sure there is no smoke or sparks or pillars of flame. Maybe I'll do it outside, too.

The cheap can come out expensive, sometimes.

Patrick

[TwoTired]

With that specification, I think you need to use a regulated power supply.  Not just one that converts AC to DC stepped down.

A regulated supply will not change the voltage when the load is changed, unregulated will.  Not all wall adapters are regulated.

Further, the line noise from the unregulated has to be filtered out for the on board components.  This could be done in either power supply or the parent box.  It's important to know which.

 Cheers,

[Inigo Montoya]

Voltage that is too high will kill it fast. Amperage to low will probably kill it but more slowly. Voltage is sometimes termed as pressure and it just pushes its way in. Think lightning here. It is the voltage that takes things out.
With too low amperage, it might not even power on depending on the difference. now if you got something that matches voltage and amps are like 2.7 or 2.8, then you will most likely be fine.

[mark]

got any old computer junk around?

I use an AT power supply to test pinball boards.

5V output is usually rated 10 amps or better.

it will only draw what it needs.

[mlinder]

With that specification, I think you need to use a regulated power supply.  Not just one that converts AC to DC stepped down.

A regulated supply will not change the voltage when the load is changed, unregulated will.  Not all wall adapters are regulated.

Further, the line noise from the unregulated has to be filtered out for the on board components.  This could be done in either power supply or the parent box.  It's important to know which.

 Cheers,

This si what I was getting at. I doubt the bridge regulates itself.

[Gordon]

Take a look around in your local Goodwill or ARC store.  The ones in my neighborhood keep a couple of bins full of random DC adapters for a buck a piece. 

[TwoTired]

Is Lynksys still in business?  Do you know the model number?  Their website might tell you what is needed.  Or, their customer service department might be able to tell you how it needs to be powered over email or phone conversation.

Cheers,

[malcolmgb]

got any old computer junk around?

I use an AT power supply to test pinball boards.

5V output is usually rated 10 amps or better.

it will only draw what it needs.

Patrick said that it was 5VAC, PC psu's are DC, being AC the bridge will regulate the voltage on board. The 2A may be more of a problem quite a high current for a low voltage. I would have thought it would take a slightly higher voltage say 7VAC at a push, but you really need a minimum 2A to be safe.