Size of the power connector

[bikeman]

Anyone know what size (Inside and outside size) of the power connector for the adapter in mm?
Thanks

[dongle]

Hi,

The outside diameter is 5.5mm. Neuros use a connector that has spring contacts to grip the center pin which is around 1mm diameter. If you look in various catalogues you should find a 5.5 x 2.1 connector that has a yellow tip, this is shown on:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DC_plug

I guess the actual connector can accomodate a variety of center pin sizes up to about 2mm. In the UK the dc power connectors can be purchased from Maplin, either singly or as a set with a flying lead. Neuros can probably provide a digi-key part number but their outrageous postal charges make them unpopular in the UK!.

If you are using the R2 on the move then get the right angle version. A small piece of tape over the lead will keep it in place.


Cheers

Pat

[Ex-Navy]

Pat is correct about the size of the dc plug
You can find it here:
(US and Canadian customers)

http://www.action-electronics.com/dcpowerplugs.htm#Plugs

[dongle]

Hi,

A useful link but be aware that an ordinary 5.5 x 2.1 plug may give intermittent operation as it does not have the internal spring contacts to grip the center pin.

Cheers

Pat

[bobkart]

Any leads on the "right" kind of power connector?  With internal spring contacts?

I'm about to order a 5.5x2.03mm right-angle version from Digi-Key just to see if it works.  But if someone knows where the spring contact version can be obtained, I'd rather just get one that I know will work.

Thanks for any help.

[biking_brian]

Bumping the thread ... I'm looking for a power connector, any update to the above information?

Thanks,
Brian

[bobkart]

I'm using one that came with the Tekkeon MyPower MP3400:

http://www.amazon.com/Tekkeon-myPower-Universal-Rechargeable-Battery/dp/B000FZZ6YU/sr=8-2/qid=1169704011/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2/102-0745672-2411325?ie=UTF8&s=electronics

And it works fine.

As far as what part number will work at Digi-Key (for example), I never ordered that part so I can't say.  They are inexpensive so the worst part would be waiting for it to arrive only to find out it doesn't work, and having to continue the search.

Surely someone from Neuros can tell us what kind of connector that is?  Maybe a direct email to Customer Support would get an answer . . . ?

[biking_brian]

I tried a 5.5 x 2.1 (type "M") right angle connector from Radio Shack.  Pat is right, it gave intermittent operation.  So maybe the right angle 5.5 x 2.03 from Digikey is the way to go.  I'm having trouble navigating their site, could someone point me to the connector?

[bobkart]

Well now I can't find it.

In the current catalog, they're at the bottom of page 376: http://dkc3.digikey.com/PDF/T071/0373-0376.pdf

But no 2.03mm ID ones there now.  It doesn't seem like that one would work any better than the 2.1mm ID one, unless the contacts are spring-loaded.

If I could get a measurement of the pin on my R2 that might help.  But it's too far recessed to get an accurate measurement.

What I don't understand is why someone from Neuros can't just tell us the specifications of the connector.

[biking_brian]

Another interesting anecdote is that I had another 5.5 x 2.1 mm connector (although it wasn't a right angle) from Radio Shack that seemed to fit more snug.  But the tip length was 15 mm long, instead of the 11 mm I measured on the right angle connector, and the 12 mm I measured on the tip for the supplied AC adapter.

[biking_brian]

Is this the power adapter on your Tekkeon?  Looks like it's a 5.5 x 2.1 mm also.

http://store.tekkeon.com/productdetails.php?alt_product_id=PA-L5D&sid=145c6e70ba4084

[bobkart]

When I click on that link it asks me to log in.  When I log in it lets me edit my account information.  So I can't see the connector you're talking about.

The Tekkeon MyPowerAll MP3400 (and MP3300) comes with a selection of power connectors.  One of them works.  Yes it looks like a 5.5mmx2.1mm power connector.  The problem is that some that look like that will work and some won't (I believe it has to have a spring-loaded center contact to work).  So unfortunately looks aren't enough to base a decision on, you have to try it.

If I was stuck with no connector I would consider trying to get a second AC adapter just to cut the connector off of.  Add something like a 9v battery clip on it and the cut end from the AC adapter.  That way I could plug it onto either the AC adapter or a 6V battery pack.

But of course it would be much simpler if someone at Neuros just gave us the specifications (or better yet a link to somewhere that sells it!) for a compatible power connector.  Fortunately for me I have a working power connector or I would be forced to escalate this matter in an effort to get it resolved.  I don't think it's too much to ask to know what kind of power connector will work with their recorder.  Have you tried emailing the technical support people at Neuros?

[biking_brian]

This is the right angle "Adaptaplug M" from Radio Shack that fit too loose:
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062435

This connector is also a Radio Shack "M" type, but it fits more snug, probably due to its longer (15mm) length:
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2103614

I may make a connector from the latter connector, otherwise I'll cannibalize the AC adapter per Bob's suggestion.  In either case I'll won't have a right angle connector.   

[Internet Chef]

If you need a replacement, we will have them available  on our website soon. 

[biking_brian]

This connector is also a Radio Shack "M" type, but it fits more snug, probably due to its longer (15mm) length:
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2103614

Benchtop testing of this connector reveals no intermittents.  Soon I'll post the results of an actual test in the field!