Question on TFT power

[Paul Adams]

I've only had experience playing with the 15" Compaq TFTs at work, so I'm not sure if they are "typical" of what to expect when it comes to these little fellas... but the power adapter is not a generic PC power one.

The transformer connects to the monitor with a tiny lead as you'd expect, but the connector from there to the mains is a strange triangular-shaped (made from the 3 cores) plug.

Is it the case that most monitors have their own adapters, or is it (now?) more common to have the transformer have a regular PC power connection type (as laptops tend to)?

[directhex]

it's pretty much random. my iiyama uses a kettle lead.

but that sounds like a dell laptop cable. 2 tics & i'll find a picture

[directhex]

that the one?

[Paul Adams]

That does indeed look like the very fella, ta.

Bit of a bummer though, I was hoping modern TFTs used generic transformers - I was hoping if I found a UK bargain then I'd have no bother taking it over to Sweden with me you see.

[Kumagoro]

That three pin connection which goes into what ever your pluging it into, is a compaq proprietary lead as far as I know.

[Steve]

It's a clover leaf - quite a few laptops and similar items use it.

However, the input voltage is likely to differ.

[hussbob]

clover and kettle do seem to be the 2 main cable types I have seen for the transformer.

Input voltage to the transformer will not differ no matter what cable it uses.

Check the lable on the transformer. Most except a range of AC input voltages.

One I have here in front of me will run on 100V - 240V AC input with max current of 1.6A now as long as I have the right plug for the wall then there shouldn't be a problem in most of europe. In fact most TFT transformers are the same as most laptop transformers in operation. All you need is a convertor to convert from 3pin UK to the Swedish standard plug.

[Steve]

Input voltage to the transformer will not differ no matter what cable it uses.

I meant into the device, not into the transformer

[hussbob]

I meant into the device, not into the transformer

The only voltage that matters is the one into the transformer.

If like my transform you can input 100V-240V it doesn't matter what I put in I will always get 12V out.

[Paul Adams]

Soooo... does this imply there are 2 "main" types, or only 2 types for European voltage, and both are standard?

If it's the case that the connector will be 1 of 2 standard types then there is no issue, I'll be able to source a cable of the right type easily enough.

But if they're proprietary...

[Steve]

Oh yeah, sorry hussbob. I forgot that the clover leaf doens't have a transformer sat on it... it plugs INTO one.

I don't have any, you see.

[hussbob]

No probs Kez.

Paul

I have been able to get both types of cable for very little money with no problems and they are the 2 main type types I have seen seen for TFT transformers in the market. US or european use the same connector types so all you have to worry about is the plug for the wall .

So it is either kettle or clover. Unless your unlucky enough to get a molded plug/transformer. Those things suck.


Because the PC market is world wide parts are made to work in as many places as possible without the requirement of expesive variations. Imagine how bad it would be if they had to make a completly different monitor for every country even though all they really need is to change the cable.

The only other cable type commonly used is the 2 pin figure of 8 plug used with Xboxs and Printer transformers etc but this is so easy to get that it shouldn't ever be a problem. I have yet to remember seeing this with a flat screen.

[Aaron]

http://www.laptopparts.com/graphics...rong%20Cord.jpg

that the one?

My Samsung TFT uses that kind of lead too.

[Paul Adams]

I have been able to get both types of cable for very little money with no problems and they are the 2 main type types I have seen seen for TFT transformers in the market. US or european use the same connector types so all you have to worry about is the plug for the wall .

Okay, thanks, sounds like while I hoped there was 1 standard cable there are only a couple of likely ones - it was of course only the cable I was concerned with that goes from transformer to wall.

So it is either kettle or clover. Unless your unlucky enough to get a molded plug/transformer. Those things suck.

This was the other fear - moulded plugs and integrated transformers are just plain evil!
(My PC's 5.1 amp and current DSL router being typical examples of integrated ones )


Ta for info all, seems like I should be okay then, and if I find any likely bargains I'll make sure to check with someone who actually has one