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    Dell Inspiron 1200 Determining polarity

    Discussion in 'Dell' started by lesliesp, Sep 4, 2009.

  1. lesliesp

    lesliesp Notebook Geek

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    The laptop has no AC adapter and a dead battery. I could test the laptop to see if it is working with a non Dell adapter if I was sure of the polarity on the Dell. There are three short dashes under the connector but no + or - symbols. Does anyone know if this laptop has a center pin with positive polarity?
     
    lesliesp, Sep 4, 2009
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  2. millermagic

    millermagic Rockin the pinktop

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    I haven't seen another laptop power adapter that has the same type of connector so another one probably wouldn't fit.

    Also, another laptop is most likely going to use a different voltage.
     
    millermagic, Sep 4, 2009
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  3. Commander Wolf

    Commander Wolf can i haz broadwell?

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    I think the center pin is actually a data pin for the PSU to communicate with the laptop. Like that's how the machine recognizes whether you've got a 65W or 90W adapter attached to it.

    Then I believe that the outside contact surface is positive and the inside contact surface is negative, but don't quote me on that one; it's been a while since I've taken apart a Dell PSU.

    Nonetheless, if you're trying to DIY something, even if you get the polarity right, I don't actually think the laptop will take power without the appropriate signal on the data pin...
     
    Commander Wolf, Sep 4, 2009
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  4. lesliesp

    lesliesp Notebook Geek

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    I am surmising from the information that you can't "test" the adapter connector. The one I would use has the same power requirements (19V 3.15a 60W) but I believe if the polarity is incorrect the adapter will be damaged as well as the laptop. Correct?
     
    lesliesp, Sep 16, 2009
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