AC Adapter choices?

I need a few AC Adapters for the CF-30. I know OEM Panasonic is 1st choice (around $50 on eBay) - but are there any less expensive but still acceptable options? Thanks in advance.

 

I've had bad luck with the "replacement" adapters. Rubber insulation cracks, wire gets exposed.

 

The 72W IBM adapters work good and can be found on ebay for as little as $10-$15.

 

I buy adapters from a guy for $9 each,using one now and never had one fail. Also there is a Canadian dealer that will sell OEM Panasonic for $20 each,got a bunch from him.

"Computers, Tablets, and Networking" | eBay

 

Here are a few http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-IBM-72W...=Laptop_Adapters_Chargers&hash=item2a3d5e7276 or IBM AC DC Adapter 72W Auto Car Airline Combo 73P4503 73P4485 73P4502 | eBay He also gives a discount on shipping if you buy more than one.

 

Thanks guys, great advice -- as usual.

 

As always, every time this comes up, I caution you that some IBM adapters are 16v, some are 20v. Just be sure you get the right one. Other than that caveat they work great. The new style 'slim' adapters Blair linked to are much nicer than the earlier IBM 12v/120v units. Much less bulk than OEM Panasonic or Lind.
CAP

 

I prefer the AC/DC IBM power supply to the OEM Panasonic!

 

The factory adapters are bulky and I like the IBM ones also,but on certain units I sell I send factory. Another thing.....if you plug a known good aftermarket into a toughbook and the charging light flashes red,plug a factory unit in and all is good,the CF-52-74mk4 will do that sometimes.

 

I had issues like that on a Mk2 CF-52 with ATI card. A regular Panasonic charger didn't solve that also, I had to go to the big brick Panasonic unit.

 

These CF52's call for the 8amp adapters don't they?

ohms law.....volts and amps are related....If the adapter doesn't put out enough amps...the volts will change....then you get red lights....

 

Shawn, I don't think that's the problem. I have 2 CF-52s, the wife's and my shop one which have been operating, not always on, continuously for a couple of years on 4.5 amp 16v IBM power supplies. Never been a problem, and the batteries are doing fine.
CAP

 

I was thinking more about Ador's...That's a high end CF52 with the ATI video card. I'm imagine they use more amperage.....

 

The first time it happened was on one of the first 52's I had,a 52G. That has never been the case since as I am on a 52G right now and anything will charge this one.

Now the 52F was a different story,2.4 with the WUXGA screen said no way. I find it depends on the individual unit,other 52F models didn't mind and one 74J refused to even charge a new aftermarket battery but the 74G was perfectly happy with it,but I digress.
The 74J I have now flashed red with both a smaller Panny adapter and an IBM one.....big brick time.

30's don't care nor do 29's.Same with 18's and 19's.I will report back on a 52GUN as I have a few.....holy cow,I just looked around and can see 28 toughbooks.

 

Who would have thought a magnesium based object could breed as rapidly as they do!

 

@ Shawn, My shop CF-52 has the ATI card.
@safn1949, Are you having this issue just with aftermarket batteries? I have had a similar issue with a little Lind OEM 2.5 amp power supply that came with a CF-VDW01. It would charge the battery in a CF-18 (slowly) but would not run the computer and keep the battery charged so over time the battery would slowly die. No flashing red lights though.
CAP

 

No,the only aftermarket I run are for the CF-74 as they are hard to find.The first time this happened was a 52G and it just refused to charge with the blinking red light.
Not knowing any better as this was quite some time ago I sent the unit to Heartland to repair,they said there was nothing wrong with it and sent it back,after charging me $130 of course.

A factory big brick solved the problem,I am on a 52G right now with a $10 adapter charging nicely,the 52GUN was just on the same adapter as I put Windows on it and worked fine.

The 74J refused to have any part of the aftermarket,new battery,switch batteries with a 74G (used factory battery)and everyone was happy again.:thumbsup:

Just got a 74J and 52F and they blink,big brick as well solved it.

 

The Mk1 CF-52 With ATI was my sons first one and it didn't have a problem. I am guessing the 3650M in the 52 draws a lot more than the HD2300M does.