OK to use 18.5V ac adapter for 16V notebook?

Have a notebook that requires a 16V, 4.5A,, AC Adapter but all I have is an AC adapter with 18.5V, 4.9A, output. Will the extra 2.5V damage the notebook?

TIA for any replies

 

No, but why not use the included AC adapter?

 

It is unlikely. I really would not want to chance it. Can you live with out your notebook? It really comes down to you.

 

Does it fit into the port?

Even if it does, I would not do it to mine.

 

actually, the notebook might not even let you...

this i know for dell...some of them

 

Got the notebook with a docking station and its 16V AC adapter has a different plug (4-pin DIN) from the AC adapter that normally comes with the notebook (2-pin coaxial). So I either make a converter from 4-pin DIN to 2-pin coaxial so I can use the 16V adapter or try to figure out how to drop 2.5V from the 18.5V adapter, which does have the correct 2-pin coaxial plug.

Or I can buy the original adapter for about $50.

Thanks again for you responses.

 

You ever do that experiment it physics class where you powered a small light bulb with a AA battery? Remember what happened when you hooked up 2, or 3 in serial? Well, it got brighter. Remember what happened when you did too much? Boom. (or actually fizz)

 

You could put 3 regular rectifier diodes and a Schottky diode in series to reduce the voltage. Or use a LDO voltage regulator.

 

Yeah, 'cause normal people have tubs of those lying around...

 

LMFAO! So true. This chick keeps talking to everyone like we're in her advanced electrical engineering class.

Calm down killer. I don't even know what a regular recti-whatever is, and I'd imagine the same for many other people here.

 

Spreads a lot of disinformation.

 

That's still basic electronics. The rectifier diodes can be purchased from an electronics store for less than $1 each. (If you can't find a Schottky rectifier, just do without it.) Just wire 3 of them in series with the output, making sure the polarity is right. Radio Shack 276-1661 should work nicely for your application. Use wire nuts (available from Home Depot) and electrical tape if you don't know how to solder.

Or you can buy the parts to make an adapter. Should be pretty cheap although some connectors are hard to find. Do you have a picture of the connectors?

When I used an old CD player power supply (4.5v) to power an 802.11b router with a faulty voltage regulator (3.3v), I actually modified the power supply by changing some resistors to change the voltage to 3.3v. But that is complicated and most "wall warts" cannot be taken apart without destroying the case anyways.

 

Rectithingie....mkay, so what's this light bulb Lithus is referring to?

 

Just a demo of why too much voltage is bad.

 

I wouldn't do it if you like your laptop all that much. but by all means, if you have a replacement laptop go ahead and give it a try.

 

http://www.woot.com/ universal targus one 90watt total power output voltage sets itself... 14.99 + 5 for shipping grab one these are 99.99 retail i just got another one just in case i need it.. they work great you may just have to cut the end off the original and re-solder it on the new one this is what i did with the one my wife uses now. only 2 wires to re-solder and heat shrink, again only if it does not come with the right tip

 

get them at either mcm electronics or digikey online they carry everything you would need.