1 (edited by bobsz 2012-05-30 16:40:04)

Topic: Power Supply dead- any new sources?

I came home today to find my Chumby 1 flashing black and white. My power supply obviously bit the dust. I know a lot of folks have gone through this, with some ideas in old posts. I was just wondering if anybody's found a new source of the power supplies? Also, is the power supply interchangeable with the Infocast 3.5? It might be easier for me to find one of those.

BTW, I tried it on my other C1's power supply and it worked, so that's definitely the  problem.

Any ideas will be appreciated.

Re: Power Supply dead- any new sources?

The power supply is the same between the Infocast 3.5 and C1

Send me an email through the forum interface.

Re: Power Supply dead- any new sources?

Also You should be able to cut the end off and put it on another 5 volt vdc adapter of the same specs that doesn't have the same connector.  I did that..  I got a larger sized one too because I use a usb ethernet.

Re: Power Supply dead- any new sources?

I need a replacement for my Chumby One power supply, too, but I can't find anything with that size plug.  Any assistance would be appreciated.

Re: Power Supply dead- any new sources?

I'll wait to see if Duane is able to assist you with this first (as he might be able to provide a replacement if he has the stock); if he is unable to help, I'll look around and see if I can't get you a link to a third-party adapter that should work with the C1.

Re: Power Supply dead- any new sources?

i think my adapter is dead as well.  can we buy a replacement directly from chumby?

Re: Power Supply dead- any new sources?

OK, I finally discovered the Gigaware "universal' GPS charger, which is 5V, 2A, and has a tip that's 3.2 O.D. 0.9mm I.D. http://www.radioshack.com/product/index … Id=3767194

I found a lightly used one for a few bucks on eBay and decided to try it, even though it's a car charger, since I have a couple wall adapters to plug it into.  I received it today.

However, when I try to use it with my Chumby One, I get the circles for a while, and then a white screen.  i tried getting the special options screen by touching the screen while powering up, and I get the screen that says I can get the special options by continuing to touch the screen or let go to boot normally.  However, I just get the white screen again.

It's possible I made the mistake of not checking my car-to-wall adapters first, as I thought it'd be the same as what a cigarette lighter in a car delivered, and looking at them, their output is less than 2A.  I'm not entirely sure if that should make a difference, but I suspect it might.

So, I'm thinking that the home charger version may work, since it's made for wall outlets, and, although I haven't had it confirmed that it's also 5V & 2A (I had the seller of my car adapter confirm that for me before I bid on it), but I'm pretty sure it'd be the same, as it's supposed to work with the same models of GPS devices. 
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index … Id=3832590
However, it looks like any buying option for that adapter right now would be at least $20.

So, before I plunk down some bigger bucks to try again, I want to ask if it still sounds like a problem of my Chumby One not getting the proper power, or if it sounds like there may be something else wrong, since I wouldn't like to make the purchase, only to find out that that wasn't really the problem?  Thank you.

Re: Power Supply dead- any new sources?

If you continue to touch the screen during the boot, does it make it all the way to "special options"?

If not, that *sounds* like the symptom of the adapter not holding the proper voltage under load.

Re: Power Supply dead- any new sources?

No, I don't actually get the special options -- I get the screen telling me to continue touching the screen to get to special options, but, when I do, I just get the white screen after that.

If it's not holding the proper voltage under load, do you think that might be due to it being a car adapter being used with a car-to-wall adapter?  because, otherwise, the Gigaware adapter's specs should match up, but, as I said, I didn't think to check the car-to-wall adapters before, and the output for both of the ones I have is less than 2A.

In other words, do you think I'd have better luck with Gigaware's home charger, since that also ought to be 5V 2A, considering it's made for the same models of GPS systems?

Re: Power Supply dead- any new sources?

That would definitely be a problem.  Both devices have to output >= 2A; if either or both output less than that, then you'll get less.

Re: Power Supply dead- any new sources?

OK, it sounds like I need to try again with a different adapter.  Thanks!

Re: Power Supply dead- any new sources?

Success!  The wall version is indeed 5V 2A, and it works!  :-)

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index … Id=3832590

Also available on Amazon, which is where I got it:

http://www.amazon.com/GigawareTM-Univer … ps+charger

Re: Power Supply dead- any new sources?

The automobile version would probably work in an automobile, too, or with a car-to-wall adapter that outputs at least 2A (if there are any), but I haven't tried it.

Re: Power Supply dead- any new sources?

Glad you found us a source for a backup adapter. But it looks like it sold out at Amazon instantly once word about that deal got out. If you find another deal like that, whisper it to all of us before before putting the word out on Amazon, ok? Yes, selfish... but after I clicked your link yesterday, I felt like I just missed a WOOT!-off. But seriously, great job tracking that down. I think I've got a gift card from Radio Shack someplace...

Re: Power Supply dead- any new sources?

Well, actually, when I bought it, it was only available from one Marketplace seller for $9.99.  The seller was actually new and didn't have feedback yet (they do now, since I got my charger very quickly), but, considering what a deal that was compared to the other buying options I was seeing via Radio Shack & eBay, I took a chance on the new seller, and I'm glad I did!  So, if you're not in a big hurry to get a charger, you might want to try checking back after a while and see if they're available again, or maybe I could pass along the seller information so you can contact them and see if they'll be offering any more for sale.

16 (edited by bobsz 2012-08-15 22:09:46)

Re: Power Supply dead- any new sources?

@revfelixblackcat- Thanks, but not to worry. I can check via the link you left above. Besides, I was fortunate enough to get a power supply replacement a while back. Now I'm just keeping an eye out for bargains in general, all things Chumby. Thanks for letting us know about finding this reliable seller, may come in very handy for future needs. (I'm still dreaming of finding an original Chumby on sale for $20 some day!)

Re: Power Supply dead- any new sources?

My C1 stopped getting power recently and I was all set to cut the PSU off the cable and install a USB plug and plug it into a spare 2Amp 5Volt USB PSU I have.  However before cutting the cable I noticed that one of our cats had almost completed that task already by chewing through it, exposing and shorting both conductors. Luckily the original PSU that came with the C1 was actually still working despite having its output shorted for a day or two, and a quick cable repair revived the C1 with no apparent ill effects.

I wrote this to suggest an alternative source of power supplies; a standard USB socket generally can only supply 1Amp maximum, but there are some devices that need more than this and they come with higher capacity power.  In my case the device is an HP TouchPad for which I purchased a spare PSU for $5 at a fire-sale a few months ago, but I'm going to guess that there may be other similar devices out there.  I never actually tried running my C1 off the HP PSU though, so I can't guarantee that the 5V DC USB spec is compatible with what the Chumby is expecting.

Re: Power Supply dead- any new sources?

If the output specifies exactly 5V (well, up to 5.2V, because some USB supplies do that for some reason) and at least 2A (or 2000mA, same thing), it should work.  Just make sure you have the polarity correct when you hack the cable wink

Re: Power Supply dead- any new sources?

Just to let you know what I did to solve the problem of a dead power supply.

Checking my routers, I found that I have a D-Link router that uses a power supply rated at 5 volts, 2.5 amps. There seem to be lots of these available on ebay for just a few dollars. For example, search for "Power Supply AC ADAPTER 5V 2.5A for D-Link" and you will see at least one seller offering these for about $6, delivered, as of today.

The D-Link connector is not the same as the Chumby connector. But, I had several DC connectors laying around that I had gotten from Monoprice (see their product 6881) for another project. I cut off the connector from my bad Chumby power supply and then soldered that connector on to the 6881 connector to build an adapter to match the D-Link power supply to the Chumby. Everything works great.

I think Radio Shack also has a similar connector to the 6881 for those who have a Radio Shack in their area.

Of course, if you do try this, be very careful to be sure that the polarities of the finished adapter are correct so you don't damage your Chumby.

Re: Power Supply dead- any new sources?

ehertz wrote:

Just to let you know what I did to solve the problem of a dead power supply.

Checking my routers, I found that I have a D-Link router that uses a power supply rated at 5 volts, 2.5 amps. There seem to be lots of these available on ebay for just a few dollars. For example, search for "Power Supply AC ADAPTER 5V 2.5A for D-Link" and you will see at least one seller offering these for about $6, delivered, as of today.

The D-Link connector is not the same as the Chumby connector. But, I had several DC connectors laying around that I had gotten from Monoprice (see their product 6881) for another project. I cut off the connector from my bad Chumby power supply and then soldered that connector on to the 6881 connector to build an adapter to match the D-Link power supply to the Chumby. Everything works great.

I think Radio Shack also has a similar connector to the 6881 for those who have a Radio Shack in their area.

Of course, if you do try this, be very careful to be sure that the polarities of the finished adapter are correct so you don't damage your Chumby.

Nicely done!  I think an adapter is a perfect solution!  Perhaps I'll order the parts and make some of these adapters myself, so people can procure their own power supplies that use a standard connector, and use them with their Chumbies!  It would be much more cost-effective for me to make these and ship them out to those who need/want them than for me to buy, modify, and re-ship a whole power supply.

Re: Power Supply dead- any new sources?

Thanks Doktor. Yes, I agree that an adapter cable is going to be much more cost effective. Figuring the cost of a barrel connector, a little heat shrink tubing and some solder, the hardware cost is going to be under a couple of dollars. Good luck with your project. If it would help you, I would be glad to post pictures.

Re: Power Supply dead- any new sources?

ehertz wrote:

Thanks Doktor. Yes, I agree that an adapter cable is going to be much more cost effective. Figuring the cost of a barrel connector, a little heat shrink tubing and some solder, the hardware cost is going to be under a couple of dollars. Good luck with your project. If it would help you, I would be glad to post pictures.

I don't know if the Doktor needs pictures, but other members/guests might find it helpful. If you are willing to take them and post them it would be appreciated.

Tar, feathers, congress. Some assembly required.

Re: Power Supply dead- any new sources?

Since I could not figure out how to attach pictures to this message (assuming it is possible), I have posted pictures in the Public folder of my Dropbox account:

Adapter Cable - http://dl.dropbox.com/u/583917/Adapter%20Cable.jpg
Complete Assembly - http://dl.dropbox.com/u/583917/Complete%20Assembly.jpg
Connection Beteween Power Supply and Adapter - http://dl.dropbox.com/u/583917/Connecti … 0Cable.jpg
Connectors to be Mated - http://dl.dropbox.com/u/583917/Connecto … 0Mated.jpg
Chumby Connector - http://dl.dropbox.com/u/583917/Chumby%20Connector.jpg
DLink Power Supply - http://dl.dropbox.com/u/583917/DLink%20 … Supply.jpg

Let me know if you have any trouble accessing the pictures, or if you want something that is a little better quality.

Re: Power Supply dead- any new sources?

Nice pictures!  And no, unfortunately PunBB does not permit the direct insertion of images.

If you could, another shot of the adapter cable (first one you linked) would be helpful, that one is a little dark, and it looks like the cable is twisted away from the camera a bit, so you can't really see the Chumby-end barrel clearly (the plug body is blocking it).

25 (edited by ehertz 2012-09-27 18:05:52)

Re: Power Supply dead- any new sources?

OK. I added a few more closeup pictures. Where I am right now, the lighting isn't great. If you would like better pictures, I can probably shoot a few in better lighting conditions this weekend.

Anyway, here are the links to the complete set:
Adapter Cable:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/583917/Adapter%20Cable.jpg
Adapter Cable Closeup 1:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/583917/Adapter% … up%201.jpg
Adapter Cable Closeup 2:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/583917/Adapter% … up%202.jpg
Adapter Cable Closeup 3:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/583917/Adapter% … up%203.jpg
Complete Assembly:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/583917/Complete%20Assembly.jpg
Connection Between Power Supply and Adapter:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/583917/Connecti … 0Cable.jpg
Connectors to be Mated:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/583917/Connecto … 0Mated.jpg
Chumby Connector:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/583917/Chumby%20Connector.jpg
DLink Power Supply:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/583917/DLink%20 … Supply.jpg