which adapter to use

[vanguy]

i have a small grundig radio with an adapter outlet on the side. it says it needs a 4.5V plug to work. i have a ton of old plug in adapters lying around, both cig. lighter and wall outlet type, i'm wondering if i can use one of those for it, but none of them say exactly 4.5V. (one of them does, but the adapter plug is too small for the radio plug and the symbols don't match).

that's my other question, there are symbols on the adapters and the radio, not sure what they mean. example:
O-C-O
+ - +
the POS and NEG symbols are inside the circles, i'm guessing they have to match up on both the adapter and the radio so i don't fry it.
if i use a cig. lighter adapter that says it puts out 6V, will it fry the radio, or not?
thanks for any help

 

[SternWake]

I had an old toshiba Mp3 player that was supposed to get 5 volts. I had a multivoltage adapter that would do 4.5 or 6 volts. It had no issues being fed 6 volts.

In most every device the inner part of the barrell connector is the (+) the outer part is the (-)

I use those multi voltage adapters for use as speed controls for computer fans.

I do not recommend this product for your use as the poor ciggy plug design will blow fuses if pushed sideways into the receptacle and it is too easy to switch voltages:

http://www.amazon.com/PowerLine-Uni...bs_auto_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=0ET1AX9S8F5VGF238CDZ

 

[Lostinspace]

Go to harbor freight and pick up their cheap multimeter so you can read the unloaded voltages and polarity. The last one I bought was under $5. And remember when you plug it in to the load, radio, the voltage will drop as the brick adapters are unregulated. The radio probably has some voltage regulation built in and can take higher than the 4.5 volts as input. So the 6 volt won't hurt it.

The main thing is to be sure of the polarity.

Hope this helps.

 

[sparky1]

why not find a radio shack & try to get the right power supply & or adapter.

 

[wagoneer]

I try and buy 12 volt everything so as not to run the inverter. If you have an inverter you could use the factory charger or what I do is use battery chargers when I'm on the road and charge a variety of battery sizes.

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Here ya go...I'd mail you this one if you wanna PM your addy.
You and splice an end on from a scrap one if this one isn't a fit.

---

OOpsy....I see you have a 4.5V you could change ends on.

Anyone want the one I have??

 

[vanguy]

thanks guys. i'd hate to buy another adapter when i have so many lying around. i'll try the 6V.

 

[highdesertranger]

I would not plug 6v into one that says it needs 4.5v. just my 2 cents but I think you are asking for trouble. highdesertranger

 

[Lucky mike]

POOF!!!.......I smell a diode burning