Mini power plugs

MikeK

I've got a bunch of wall warts with the mini power plugs on them.· Is there a simple way to determine whether they're 2.1mm or 2.5mm or other?·

Thanks,
Mike

PJAllen

Does RadioShack still sell a 2.5mm jack?
2.1 and 2.5mm have the same outer diameter, but 2.5s have a bigger center pin.
So, you shouldn't be able to push a 2.1mm cable (F) onto a 2.5mm jack (except with a lot of force.)

** If you're certain that they're either 2.1 or 2.5 then you should be able to eye-ball the difference once you compare a few. **

Post Edited (PJ Allen) : 12/17/2005 7:32:34 PM GMT

Paul Baker

3 ways:
-first find a known power socket and try it out
-second goto a radio shack and visually compare it with the nest of plugs they have find the matching letter, find the package containing the type and look on the box for the diameter info
-third use a vernier caliper

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MikeK

Thanks. They're no smaller than 2.1 as far as I can tell. They've all got the same outer diameter, and inner diameters ~2-3mm, but they're not interchangable. Are there any other sizes that look like 2.1 or 2.5?
Mike

PJAllen

I think you're on the right track. Anybody can make anything. The quickest way would be to buy a 2.1 and a 2.5 jack and sort them that way. And, as a fail-safe, connect the jack to a voltmeter and then plug in your wall-pack: if you have voltage then that's that.

MikeK

I found an M and an N (2.1mm and 2.5mm) at Radio Shack. The prices are ridiculously high, but I got the information I need. Thanks again for the help.
Mike

PJAllen

Good.· If you bought them from some mail-order outfit, you'd have had to pay S/H, even if you bought other stuff.

Hey, you asked if there were other sizes: I have right here a pair of "coaxial DC power connectors" that I bought from RadioShack many, many moons ago -- and these are dimensioned: "5.0mm O.D., 1.6mm I.D."· I'd figure most everything out there is either 2.5 or 2.1, but like I said, anyone can make anything, and the only way to know is to know.

MikeK

"...and the only way to know is to know." Advice Yogi Berra would be proud of.

Paul Baker

By all means do you purchasing elsewhere, RS was a suggestion for visual comparison without any upfront cost.

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MikeK

Paul, don't worry. I only bought one of each. I need 6 of each size for a project I'm working on. All Electronics seems to have the best price on panel-mount jacks. I need a bunch of other stuff from them anyway. It was worth the extra couple of $ to be able to bring them home and try them. I didn't feel like lugging 5 WWs to RS.
Mike

nick bernard

righto,
vernier calipers are the tops! i use it daily.
i got a metric caliper at jameco for about $20.

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engineer, fireman, bowler, father, WoW addict [noparse];)[/noparse]

SN96

You can get a 6" digital caliper for $16 dollars here:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=47257


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Mike

·

MikeK

Ah, Harbor Freight. One of their stores is near by. Go in intending to spend $5, and leave having spent $50. Almost as much fun as ordering electronics stuff.

I've got three of their $5 (on sale) multimeters (similar to this one: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=92020). Can't beat them for the price.