Voltage Question

[99CamaroV6]

I'm running a discman in my car that is supposed to run at 4.5V positively tipped.

If I set my dc plug (it's a universal) to 4.5V the discman doesn't run as quickly and for some oddball reasons it recognizes the power source as a battery and not an external pwr source (which disables some features).

Now if I turn up to 6V not only does the discman run better, it recognizes it as being a constant external power source.

Also I noticed at 4.5V the DC plug would get hot and at 6V now it does not. Should I just leave it at the 6.0V setting?

[fenderman]

Check the discman again. I know this sounds a bit insulting, but looking at my Aiwa CD player I found something that might be able to help you.

My CD player says 3V on the bottom label. That is the only power requirement listed on that label. It makes sense since it runs off of 2 AA batteries at 1.5V apiece. Examining the unit further, I found something interesting. The power input plug has DC 5~6V inscribed next to it. Apparently when it is plugged into the lighter, it requires more power than when it runs on batteries alone. Check your CD player, and if it does not specify near the plug jack refer to the owner's manual.

Thought this might help you. Let me know if it does. Whatever happens though, you don't want to over or underpower the unit. That can damage things, so make sure you verify before leaving it at the higher voltage setting. My guess is that since it operates normal you are not hurting anything, but please verify this with your individual model before proceeding.

[99CamaroV6]

It's a RioVolt MP3 player...on the unit next to the plug for the power input it says 4.5V + tipped. I checked the power plug that came with it (to plug in wall outlets) and it says 4.5V + tipped.

It's the SP250 model to be exact.

[ August 17, 2003: Message edited by: 99CamaroV6 ]</p>

[camaro_speedemon]

Sounds like your universal plug isn't enough amps for your discman. Look to see how many amps your discman needs, it will be with the how many volts and what tips. Then look at the one on the universal plug. You want them to be close as possible. If the plug is lower then the discman, then it probably won't run right, and you could damage something, even if you bump up the voltage.