Ac Adaptor Settings

[Hawk77]

I have a handheld scanner and a Ac Adaptor from Wal mart to run it in the house. The adaptor is a universal one with all the different volt settings and tips. My question is will my scanner be damaged if I accidently set it for 6 volts instead of the 9 volts it requires and run it for a few hours? And if so, how will it damage it? I realize that 12 volts may hurt it but would setting less hurt it or just weaken the reception/performance. Thanks


Hawk Man

 

[gmclam]

It depends on the specific scanner model. Very old models will probably suffer reception/etc. Newer designs (but that does not mean all newer designs) generally will adapt to the lower voltage.

 

[kb2vxa]

Low voltage won't cause damage, high voltage will. Reverse polarity just may destroy it, be VERY careful with those universal adapters.

 

[Hawk77]

good info......

thx for the info on the adapter. I agree that one needs to be VERY careful with using a universal one due to the chance of a mistake in the settings and changing the tip to right polarity. Thx for bringing that to my attention....appreciate it.


Hawk Man