Hello, people.
I've got an external hard drive for my PC, without the original power converter.
(Simpletech external 1TB hard drive, model 96300-41001-185).
I Think it wants 12 VDC and 2 amps. From the inventory, I have a converter: 12 VDC and only 1 amp.
Is that a problem? Will it work? Or should I Not try to hook it up?
Thanks.
Mark3030

 

I Think it wants 12 VDC and 2 amps. From the inventory, I have a converter: 12 VDC and only 1 amp.
Is that a problem? Will it work? Or should I Not try to hook it up?

Yes, it's likely a problem if it really needs 2A.
You can try it with the 1A supply but it probably won't work.

 

OK, I'll try it.
May or may not work, but at least I won't destroy it.
Thanks, Crutschow.

 

A 12V at 4A will not hurt your hard drive. It will only take what it needs.

 

Well, I tried it, and it did nothing.
The PC didn't even recognize or see it.
I'd assume that it Needs the 2A.
Very interesting, Mr.Ron. Thanks for that info. I'll find another adapter.
Mark3030

 

Did you check the voltages after the connections? If there is no drop in voltage(s), the problem could be elsewhere.

 

Be sure to use a regulated supply with the proper polarity connector.

 

Power connector polarity is critical, reverse polarity will damage poorly designed equipment.

 

Also, some supplies from various household appliances are not well regulated and depend on the load they were designed to supply to reach 12v. Connecting one of these "unregulated" supplies to a device that depends on 12v is not a great idea. If you need 12v, make sure it delivers 12v with and without a load. And, if possible, make sure you don't get an initial surge when you plug it in.

 

An external hard drive is both delicate and demanding, as the power must never fail during operation, and the starting spin up of the disk does demand a bit more current. And once again,be careful about polarity, as some devious manufacturers make the center negative, just to be different.