12v 500mA ok?

Dulath

I've got a BS2 Rev J and a BOE Rev C. I wasn't able to get it to identify on my computer until I chucked out all the 9v batteries I found around the house and used a 12volt 500mA wallwart instead. Now it works, but I'm concerned about feeding it too much voltage. Are there any potential problems running it like this? Would I be able to complete the "What's a Microcontroller?" course using this power supply?

tabbott

Depends on the type of wallwart you have. If it's regulated, you are·good (A few of the systems I have designed have run off of 12V). But if the supply is not regulated and you draw less than the rated current, you will actualy be putting MORE than 12V into the stamp which will damage its power·system (I have seen as much as 18V from an unregulated 12V supply)

One way to check: plug the supply into the wall, and without it plugged into the board, check the voltage produced·with a multimeter. If the voltage is around 12, you are safe.

jmalaysia

The "no load" voltage of a wall transformer will be higher than the "loaded" voltage, so plug it in THEN measure the voltage. Or maybe you should just get a good battery??

SSteve

There's a power supply chart at www.parallax.com/ProductInfo/Accessories/PowerSupplies/tabid/422/Default.aspx

Judging from that, it looks like the 12V power supply is ok. I'm pretty sure the wall warts Parallax sells are not regulated.

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