AC Adapter for BCD396T

JoeH · #1 (**permalink**) 08-14-2006, 09:23 PM

My original AC adapter that came with the 396 is dead and needs replacement. I was looking at the RS 6v AC adapter ( http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...tId=2049709&cp ) as a possible substitute for the original one. Any ideas, experience or thoughts on this adater?

hiegtx · #2 (**permalink**) 08-14-2006, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeH

My original AC adapter that came with the 396 is dead and needs replacement. I was looking at the RS 6v AC adapter ( http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...tId=2049709&cp ) as a possible substitute for the original one. Any ideas, experience or thoughts on this adater?

I'm using a couple of those, to make using my 396 & my BR330T in alternate locations around the house easier. The slimline design also is more 'outlet friendly' than a regular wall-wart.
Get Adapt-a-plug "B".

JoeH · #3 (**permalink**) 08-14-2006, 10:18 PM

Thanks for the reply. I like the slimline design too. It's amazingly small compared to the original one.

WX4JCW · #4 (**permalink**) 08-15-2006, 02:22 AM

BTW the non slimline one will give an illegal voltage error

JoeH · #5 (**permalink**) 08-15-2006, 11:56 AM

I went ahead and purchased the slimline adapter. Working great so far. Stormchaser, what voltage is the other one putting out?

garys · #6 (**permalink**) 08-15-2006, 12:50 PM

I thought that the 396 called for the "H" adapter. At least that's what I used when I bought the DC cord.

Gary

JoeH · #7 (**permalink**) 08-15-2006, 01:44 PM

Definitely a "B" adapter from RS for the 396. I'm using one right at this moment.

garys · #8 (**permalink**) 08-15-2006, 02:15 PM

Thanks.

Gary

hiegtx · #9 (**permalink**) 08-15-2006, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeH

Stormchaser, what voltage is the other one putting out?

They may have given him the 6v, 300ma adapter. Even though it's the correct 6 volts, the 396 (and for that matter, the BR330T) reacts to the low amperage output with an "illegal voltage" error message. Got the same error when I had a brain warp & plugged my 396 into the 246's adapter, which is lower curent. (The 246 runs on two batteries instead of 3.)
No damage, just did not work.

JoeH · #10 (**permalink**) 08-21-2006, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hiegtx

They may have given him the 6v, 300ma adapter. Even though it's the correct 6 volts, the 396 (and for that matter, the BR330T) reacts to the low amperage output with an "illegal voltage" error message.

A friend just bought the correct one (6v 800mA) and was getting the "illegal voltage" display. When connected to a meter, it read 11.45 volts! Go figure. I talked him into exchanging it for the slimline version.

slicerwizard · #11 (**permalink**) 08-22-2006, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hiegtx

Even though it's the correct 6 volts, the 396 (and for that matter, the BR330T) reacts to the low amperage output with an "illegal voltage" error message.

It's not producing the correct voltage. It's an unregulated supply, hence the "Illegal Voltage" error. 396T's need a regulated supply. Some, like the 246T, don't.

hiegtx · #12 (**permalink**) 08-22-2006, 10:16 PM

The 246 adapter that gave me an 'illegal voltage' error on the 396 was the original Uniden adapter, not a R/S or other substitute. However, I did not throw a VOM on it to see whether or not it's a regulated supply.

slicerwizard · #13 (**permalink**) 08-23-2006, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hiegtx

The 246 adapter that gave me an 'illegal voltage' error on the 396 was the original Uniden adapter, not a R/S or other substitute. However, I did not throw a VOM on it to see whether or not it's a regulated supply.

It's not. The 246T doesn't need a regulated supply, so Uniden isn't going to waste money on one.

madr68 · #14 (**permalink**) 10-13-2006, 10:02 PM

If you get the 'illegal voltage' just get any 6v with over 800ma and you should be fine. Radioshack (the Source in Canada) has a 6v 800ma but it didn't work until i got over the 800ma then everything was fine.