I just got a new Kodak DC280. I have an AC adapter from Radio Shack...the kind where you select the output voltage and polarity. Of couse, Kodak recommends using only their adapter ($30). Am I likely to do damage to my camera with another adapter? Any suggestions are appreciated.

Sam V.

-- Sam V. (volcs@hotmail.com), May 24, 2000

Answers

Sam
There are some reasons why this could be a bad idea.

• make sure the voltage is exactly what it claims to be - use a voltmeter! Cheap electronics lie.
• Make sure the polarity is indeed correct.
• Cheap AC adapters may not filter the output very well (or at all) and the result is excessive noise that can damage fragile electronic circuits. You can measure the ripple on a DC adapter by setting a good voltmeter to AC. It should read 0 voltage! Always test under nominal load.
• Make sure the AC Adapter is capable of putting out the amount of current required. A cheap AC Adapter could burn up under out- of-spec load and cause problems with the device.

These universal adapters are fine for 30 dollar radios and CD players - but not a $500 camera - I think it's wise to avoid the risk.

Des

-- Dan Desjardins (dan.desjardins@avstarnews.com), May 24, 2000.

Also
Kodak techs can easily tell if a camera has been damaged by an improper power supply. I know - I used to fix cameras. You risk your warranty.

Des

-- Dan Desjardins (dan.desjardins@avstarnews.com), May 24, 2000.

There are nice aftermarket power supplies made for each type of camera. If you buy a power supply which claims to support a DC280 from somebody fairly reputable, I wouldn't worry about it. I just saw a nice rack of specialized camera AC adapters at CompUSA - whom I would not recommend for any other purchase, by the way.

They also have them on E-bay.

-- Mark Grebner (Mark@Grebner.com), May 25, 2000.

I'd like to use a Radio Shack adapter too (dispite the warning) but I can't seem to find any info on what voltage to use for a Kodak DC-215. Any one know the correct voltage?

Thanks, Paul

-- Paul Kennett (paul@kennett.co.nz), May 26, 2000.

The Kodak ac adapter puts out a perfect 7 volts DC.

-- Will Wiegman (wwiegman@earthlink.net), May 15, 2001.