Accessories Portable AC adapter

I am really tired of carrying so many AC adapters when I travel, every device is different. I wish they all could be USB charged, which is one thing I really like about my iPhone and iPad.

For the eDGe, I find the AC adapter way too big to carry around. And, the connector that plugs into the eDGe is not easy to find (at least for me). So, I went and found a nice small 12V power supply and soldered a connector to the power leads. I then cut the connector off of the eDGe adapter, and re-attached with another connector same as on my nice small adapter. So, now I can easily switch from the AC adapter that came with the eDGe to my convenient small adapter. Its not rocket science, but it is a nice and simple (and cheap--total cost $3 for connectors and $9 for the 12V supply) way to have an easily portable AC adapter. The current rating on the small one is lower (1A) than the eDGe supplied adapter (2.5A) so charging takes a little longer. No biggie.

Can you share the part number for the adapter (the part that plugs into the Edge) with me? XPAL power to go is having a hard time providing me with the correct tip for use with my battery pack.

I would think that the adapter may burn given that the edge requires around 2 A and the adapter only give 1 A. Maybe not immediately but after a while.

Originally Posted by alefor

I am really tired of carrying so many AC adapters when I travel, every device is different. I wish they all could be USB charged, which is one thing I really like about my iPhone and iPad.

For the eDGe, I find the AC adapter way too big to carry around. And, the connector that plugs into the eDGe is not easy to find (at least for me). So, I went and found a nice small 12V power supply and soldered a connector to the power leads. I then cut the connector off of the eDGe adapter, and re-attached with another connector same as on my nice small adapter. So, now I can easily switch from the AC adapter that came with the eDGe to my convenient small adapter. Its not rocket science, but it is a nice and simple (and cheap--total cost $3 for connectors and $9 for the 12V supply) way to have an easily portable AC adapter. The current rating on the small one is lower (1A) than the eDGe supplied adapter (2.5A) so charging takes a little longer. No biggie.

Has anyone tried this? If it works, it would be very convenient for international travel...

http://www.gomadic.com/quadcharger.html

Aftet using my 1A adapter for hours and hours it has never felt more than slightly warm. I am not concerned that "the adapter may burn".

The gomadic looks good but which tip???? This will take an email to the gomadic company. I was told through the courtesy of another forum member that the eDGe tip is 2.1x9.5mm and it is impossible to know from the gomadic web site if that size is available.

I have put in an inquiry at Gomadic. Hopefully, they will come back with a positive answer.

Too bad the Gomadic charger wouldn't work. It doesn't support 12V output.

Confused by Amps and volts. Over the years I have amassed a ton of AC adapters in all shapes and sizes. Last night I found a small 12V adaptor with the correct tip as the EE jack and correct polarity. The compact adaptor runs at 0.83 amps whereas the adapter that came with my unit is 2.5 amps. I always get confused...I know volts are extremely important, but will too much or too little amperage do harm?

Think of it as volts=pressure, amps=flow.

If you supply too high a voltage, you'll damage your device; too low, and it probably won't work (but I don't know if it will cause damage).

For current, the power supply is rated for how much current it can draw safely (or stay within spec); if the current rating (amps) of the power supply is higher than the device, it's okay, because your device won't draw that much current. If it's too low, you're overloading the power supply, and either your power supply might fail, or your device might not be able to draw as much current as it needs to function (or charge).

So: the voltage should match; the power supply amp rating should be at least as high as the device rating. (At least that's my understanding; someone please correct me if I'm wrong.)

That makes sense. Thanks so much for your quick response. Too bad as this is a very sweet adaptor that I could put in my pocket without (too much) notice. OK, mind out of the gutter.

Originally Posted by nprnncbl

Think of it as volts=pressure, amps=flow.......(At least that's my understanding; someone please correct me if I'm wrong.)

Your explanation is right on target, especially the pressure/flow (like water in a pipe) being analogous to volts/amps. The eDGe "brick" is rated at 2.5 amps, and the Pocket eDGe adapter is rated at 1 amp. I have had no difficulties using the Pocket eDGe adapter to charge the regular eDGe device. The adapter does not overheat, and the charging time seems about the same, though I have never quantitated it. I dont know how much current (amps) the charging circuit of either device draws, but I suspect an adapter rated at 0.83 amps will be just fine. You should try it. AS long as its 12V, it should not in any way damage your eDGe. Let it charge a few hours and see if the adapter gets hot, and if the battery charges. I imagine it will be no problem, and it sure sounds convenient!

Update on my found AC adaptor. At first it appeared to be working as the battery indicator displayed the "lightning" symbol and blinked. The adaptor became hot rather quickly and then shut down. No harm to the EE, but 0.83 of an Amp just ain't enough current to cut it. This is too expensive of an investiment to fool around with what "might" work.