Have I made a big mistake?

[onedaymyfriend]

Hi guys,

I was recently given an exercise bike to help me shed those extra pounds, unfortunately it didn't come with a power supply. So cutting a long story short, I went to my local DIY place asked for a 230v 500ma adapter, as required. Got home plugged it in, everything lights up but it isn't functional??? After scratching my head for a couple of hours, I noticed on the box that I was actually sold a 230v 350ma adapter.

My questions are:- By plugging in an adapter with 150 less ma's than needed, have I (or could I have) damaged my exercise bike? Also, with 150 less ma's as needed, would it still light the console up?

Many thanks as always!

Darren

 

[aptsys]

The other important questions you should be asking are what voltage power supply did you need and if it was AC or DC. If DC input what polarity. These are more likely to have damaged the bike if at all.

 

[onedaymyfriend]

Oh dear! The info I was given was: - 12v DC Output, 230v 500ma

I have just used a 12v AC Output, 230v 350ma adapter.

 

[Steve]

I think maplin will have the PSU you need. Though it might not work now. It depends how sensitive the electronics are to AC.

 

[sparkyspike]

If your transformer is not sufficiently rated for current, you're more likely to have damaged the transformer than the bike!

Even with AC, it probably has just failed to work, rather than been damaged.

Anyway, you'll find out once you get your DC 500mA transformer plugged in!

 

[stuartsjg]

Probably the adapter wouldn't be damaged by such a short term overload. Also, i doubt that they would specify a 500mA supply and use all 500mA, i wound t continually load these at more than 80%, or 400mA so i doubt the bike would damage the adapter.

As for the AC issue, if its going straight into some electronics then it may be ok. Depends on what the bike uses the power for.

What in the bike needs the power?

Normally these things have a regulator inside which will supply what ever the electronics need, eg. 3.3v, 4.5, 5.0, etc. These regulators are quite hardy so would probably be ok with AC.

There would be capacitors on the input which would go pop or bang if they didnt like AC.

All in all, try getting the right adapter and see what happens!

Stuart

 

[ricicle]

Remember also that the 12vAC output would be an RMS value so the voltage will peak at around 17V so it depends how tolerant the components are to this and also polarised capacitors etc.

 

[stuartsjg]

There would also only be 12vAC output at the rated load.

With no load, or light load the voltage will be higher, factor in the peak issue and its even more!

 

[AndyPRK]

have you tried the correct transfer yet ?

I don't think you have anything to loose

 

[mattylad]

I think your getting a little confused over how this works.

your supposed to move the pedals with your feet to get it to work!
The power supply cannot make the pedals go round, you need to do that.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Oh dear! The info I was given was: - 12v DC Output, 230v 500ma

I have just used a 12v AC Output, 230v 350ma adapter.

RTFP.