MobileRead Forums - View Single Post - sony prsa-ac1 ac adapter specifications?

etienne66 · 10-16-2010, 05:59 PM

I've seen this myself with my Kindle 2 when plugged into certain USB chargers. The USB spec says they can supply a max of 1500mA for a USB charger. My thought is that ones that don't meet that spec have an auto-cutoff for devices trying to draw more current than they can supply to prevent damage to the charger. I'd say find one that is rated at least at 550mA. If it isn't rated at all it probably supplies less than that and although it may work for some devices it is probably insufficient for the Sony.

It is unlikely that any of these chargers would damage the Sony as long as they are within the voltage specification which allows for a maximum of 5.25v. It is more likely the Sony could damage the charger if they didn't have a limiter built into it.

I've tried a couple of generic USB chargers with the Sony cable. One rated at 550mA for my BlueAnt hands-free and the other at 800mA for my Nyko PS3 controller charger. Both indicted they were charging the unit, however the Nyko charger made the Sony act like it was plugged into a computer. In other words I could not read while it was charging.

I also tried it with a "Monster GreenPower™ Digital PowerCenter™ MDP 900" that had a built in USB charging port. The Sony acted like it was plugged into a PC and was not charging the battery. I'm sure it was supplying the correct voltage as it has to be the standard 5V, but I could not find anywhere on the unit or the manual what current it is capable of supplying. I suspect if you find one rated at 500mA to 1500mA it will probably work, but it could be hit or miss.

I suggest if you have any USB chargers lying around to just try them. If you don't see it charging in a few moments, then it probably won't work.

I have seen a few chargers actually drain the batteries of USB devices because although they would not charge, they didn't allow the device to go into sleep mode either.

Etienne66

10-16-2010, 05:59 PM	#31
etienne66 Groupie Posts: 185 Karma: 9832 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Texas, US Device: Kindle 2, PRS-600 Black, PRS-650 Red, Adam w/ Pixel Qi(pre-ordered)	I've seen this myself with my Kindle 2 when plugged into certain USB chargers. The USB spec says they can supply a max of 1500mA for a USB charger. My thought is that ones that don't meet that spec have an auto-cutoff for devices trying to draw more current than they can supply to prevent damage to the charger. I'd say find one that is rated at least at 550mA. If it isn't rated at all it probably supplies less than that and although it may work for some devices it is probably insufficient for the Sony. It is unlikely that any of these chargers would damage the Sony as long as they are within the voltage specification which allows for a maximum of 5.25v. It is more likely the Sony could damage the charger if they didn't have a limiter built into it. I've tried a couple of generic USB chargers with the Sony cable. One rated at 550mA for my BlueAnt hands-free and the other at 800mA for my Nyko PS3 controller charger. Both indicted they were charging the unit, however the Nyko charger made the Sony act like it was plugged into a computer. In other words I could not read while it was charging. I also tried it with a "Monster GreenPower™ Digital PowerCenter™ MDP 900" that had a built in USB charging port. The Sony acted like it was plugged into a PC and was not charging the battery. I'm sure it was supplying the correct voltage as it has to be the standard 5V, but I could not find anywhere on the unit or the manual what current it is capable of supplying. I suspect if you find one rated at 500mA to 1500mA it will probably work, but it could be hit or miss. I suggest if you have any USB chargers lying around to just try them. If you don't see it charging in a few moments, then it probably won't work. I have seen a few chargers actually drain the batteries of USB devices because although they would not charge, they didn't allow the device to go into sleep mode either. Etienne66 Last edited by etienne66; 10-16-2010 at 06:05 PM.