P
Paul
Guest
There was a thread started some time ago that was revived again (by me) asking about the possible damage that could be done to a camera using the DigiPower AC Adapters that is sold on Thomas-Distributing's web site (that so many seem to use).
That thread (if anyone likes to read "history") is http://www.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1008&message=610854
I have since posed the question to Thomas-Distributing but have not yet gotten a reply from them.
Today, by coincidence, I stumbled on useful information on Cliff Shade's site. It appears that the DigiPower Direct AC Adapter is regulated.
The URL is http://www.cliffshade.com/dpfwiw/c-2000z/power/index.htm#need
The text is, as follows:
Oly AC Adapters
Oly-brand AC adapters are expensive, but you're paying in part for the security of a regulated adapter that won't fry your camera, which cost 15 times more.
The Oly C-6AU Adapter (discontinued)
I own one of these, but I'm no longer sure why. I seldom carry it.
The now discontinued regulated C-6AU outputs 6.5VDC and 2A via a 4.8 mm OD center-positive plug. AC input is listed at 110-120V at 50/60 Hz and rated for 20W.
I originally purchased my C-6AU for my Oly D-340L, but it works with the C-20x0Z as well. This adapter's fairly large and heavy, and its plug doesn't fold down for packing.
The Oly C-7AU Universal Adapter
The C-7AU's DC output is 2A, like that of the C-6AU. From pictures, its wall plug doesn't look foldable. The C-7AU's AC input is dual voltage (110-120V, 220V). Per Olympus, the C-7AU is designed to work with its entire current line of digital cameras, so its camera plug is presumably the same as that of the C-6AU, which the C-7AU replaced.
Currently, the C-7AU goes for $40-50 mail order. Oly specifies the C-7AU for its newer C-30x0Z and C-2100UZ cameras as well.
A Viable Alternative to Pricey Oly AC Adapters
Many RPD posts have discussed alternatives to the reliable but pricey Oly-brand adapters. Most of these posts have been of the "I've gotten away with it so far" genre.
It's clear enough that 6VDC is adequate to power Oly digicams via their DC power connectors. How much amperage is required is not so clear, but the answer lies somewhere in the 800-2000mA range.
Honey, I Fried the Camera
Whether one should trust an expensive digital camera to a cheap unregulated power supply is another question entirely. Connecting your Camedia to any old 6V, 1A adapter amounts to a potentially costly leap of faith, since most inexpensive, off-the-shelf AC adapters are unregulated, as are many of the adapters supplied with other electronic devices—even expensive ones!
The DigiPower Direct AC Adapter
Thanks to digital photographer/engineer dpFWIW contributor Dave Totosian, however, I can now confidently recommend a safe and affordable regulated alternative to the Oly adapters in the $20-30 price range. Dave thoroughly tested the DigiPower Solutions Direct AC digital camera power adapter and found it suitable for his C-2020Z:
Not wanting to jeopardize a $700 camera to a $20 adapter, I used my lab-quality digital volt meter along with my trusty Tektronics 'scope to do some careful analysis before using it with my camera.
Open circuit voltage = 6.73vdc, 120mv ripple @105khz (switcher frequency)
With a 1.0amp resistive load = 6.59vdc, 80mv ripple @105khz
With a 1.5amp resistive load = 6.51vdc, 100mv ripple @105khz
After 20 minutes driving 1.5A, the unit was barely warm to the touch.
Very impressive performance characteristics. They got this one right. All measurements were taken using 110vac/60hz input, but this unit will also work on 240vac/50hz.
In follow-up, Dave notes that he's powered his C-2020Z with this adapter with batteries loaded many times over several months now without incident.
The DigiPower adapter is suitable for the C-30x0Z as well. A good source is Thomas Distributing.
That thread (if anyone likes to read "history") is http://www.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1008&message=610854
I have since posed the question to Thomas-Distributing but have not yet gotten a reply from them.
Today, by coincidence, I stumbled on useful information on Cliff Shade's site. It appears that the DigiPower Direct AC Adapter is regulated.
The URL is http://www.cliffshade.com/dpfwiw/c-2000z/power/index.htm#need
The text is, as follows:
Oly AC Adapters
Oly-brand AC adapters are expensive, but you're paying in part for the security of a regulated adapter that won't fry your camera, which cost 15 times more.
The Oly C-6AU Adapter (discontinued)
I own one of these, but I'm no longer sure why. I seldom carry it.
The now discontinued regulated C-6AU outputs 6.5VDC and 2A via a 4.8 mm OD center-positive plug. AC input is listed at 110-120V at 50/60 Hz and rated for 20W.
I originally purchased my C-6AU for my Oly D-340L, but it works with the C-20x0Z as well. This adapter's fairly large and heavy, and its plug doesn't fold down for packing.
The Oly C-7AU Universal Adapter
The C-7AU's DC output is 2A, like that of the C-6AU. From pictures, its wall plug doesn't look foldable. The C-7AU's AC input is dual voltage (110-120V, 220V). Per Olympus, the C-7AU is designed to work with its entire current line of digital cameras, so its camera plug is presumably the same as that of the C-6AU, which the C-7AU replaced.
Currently, the C-7AU goes for $40-50 mail order. Oly specifies the C-7AU for its newer C-30x0Z and C-2100UZ cameras as well.
A Viable Alternative to Pricey Oly AC Adapters
Many RPD posts have discussed alternatives to the reliable but pricey Oly-brand adapters. Most of these posts have been of the "I've gotten away with it so far" genre.
It's clear enough that 6VDC is adequate to power Oly digicams via their DC power connectors. How much amperage is required is not so clear, but the answer lies somewhere in the 800-2000mA range.
Honey, I Fried the Camera
Whether one should trust an expensive digital camera to a cheap unregulated power supply is another question entirely. Connecting your Camedia to any old 6V, 1A adapter amounts to a potentially costly leap of faith, since most inexpensive, off-the-shelf AC adapters are unregulated, as are many of the adapters supplied with other electronic devices—even expensive ones!
The DigiPower Direct AC Adapter
Thanks to digital photographer/engineer dpFWIW contributor Dave Totosian, however, I can now confidently recommend a safe and affordable regulated alternative to the Oly adapters in the $20-30 price range. Dave thoroughly tested the DigiPower Solutions Direct AC digital camera power adapter and found it suitable for his C-2020Z:
Not wanting to jeopardize a $700 camera to a $20 adapter, I used my lab-quality digital volt meter along with my trusty Tektronics 'scope to do some careful analysis before using it with my camera.
Open circuit voltage = 6.73vdc, 120mv ripple @105khz (switcher frequency)
With a 1.0amp resistive load = 6.59vdc, 80mv ripple @105khz
With a 1.5amp resistive load = 6.51vdc, 100mv ripple @105khz
After 20 minutes driving 1.5A, the unit was barely warm to the touch.
Very impressive performance characteristics. They got this one right. All measurements were taken using 110vac/60hz input, but this unit will also work on 240vac/50hz.
In follow-up, Dave notes that he's powered his C-2020Z with this adapter with batteries loaded many times over several months now without incident.
The DigiPower adapter is suitable for the C-30x0Z as well. A good source is Thomas Distributing.
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