AC/DC power adapter w/ 9500ix - anyone tried it?

**PreCog** · 07-29-2008, 01:52 PM

I picked up an adapter last night that converts AC/DC and output range is 12-18volts DC. The 9500ix manual says it needs 12v DC but when I turn the unit on it goes through its normal power on sequence and then displays "low voltage powering down"

I have no problem sitting in the car with my laptop but in Texas it has been over 100 every day and I would prefer not to just sit in my car with it running and wasting gas.

**category4** · 07-29-2008, 04:36 PM

I don't know the power consumption of the ix, but it sounds like the ix might be using more power than the power supply can put out. Thereby dropping the voltage to a level below where the ix can operate. Do you know the power output of your power supply?

**PreCog** · 07-29-2008, 05:19 PM

Originally Posted by category4

I don't know the power consumption of the ix, but it sounds like the ix might be using more power than the power supply can put out. Thereby dropping the voltage to a level below where the ix can operate. Do you know the power output of your power supply?

Its actually an adapter that plugs into the wall and then you plug the cord that came with the ix into that adapter. The converter says it outputs 12-18v DC. The manual says the ix needs 12v DC.

**focalcivic** · 07-29-2008, 06:23 PM

Originally Posted by PreCog

I picked up an adapter last night that converts AC/DC and output range is 12-18volts DC. The 9500ix manual says it needs 12v DC but when I turn the unit on it goes through its normal power on sequence and then displays "low voltage powering down"

I have no problem sitting in the car with my laptop but in Texas it has been over 100 every day and I would prefer not to just sit in my car with it running and wasting gas.

Are you referring to a DC to AC converter that you use in your house?

Think of this, when you plug it in the car with the iginition on, that is about 12.1 volts or so, when the car is running that is averaging about 14.2 volts or so.

I am thinking when you use the AC adapter there is not enough voltage to keep the detector running.

Remember the output range is up to 18 volts that doesn't mean you household current running that much, further more it is more designed for a cell phone or a really low powered device.

Another slution might be this, get one of those portable jump start sticks, that have a DC port that might be enough juice to run it.

**PreCog** · 07-29-2008, 06:50 PM

Originally Posted by focalcivic

Are you referring to a DC to AC converter that you use in your house?

Think of this, when you plug it in the car with the iginition on, that is about 12.1 volts or so, when the car is running that is averaging about 14.2 volts or so.

I am thinking when you use the AC adapter there is not enough voltage to keep the detector running.

Remember the output range is up to 18 volts that doesn't mean you household current running that much, further more it is more designed for a cell phone or a really low powered device.

Another slution might be this, get one of those portable jump start sticks, that have a DC port that might be enough juice to run it.

Yes. Meaning it plugs into an AC outlet, being my home wall and then converts to DC. I then plug the cord that it came with into that adapter. If the outlet can power a vacuum or my microwave I dont see why enough juice isnt getting to it keep it running.

My home outlet is on a 15 amp breaker. The outlet is rated at 15 amps. Keep in mind this is an AC current and not a DC current I am referring to. The adapter down regulates the output to 12 - 18 volts DC.

I appreciate the idea about the jump start sticks.

**Crashmaxx** · 07-29-2008, 07:45 PM

If it is adjustable from 12v-18v then you probably need to just turn it up to 13v-14v. A 12v battery in your car is at 12v only when it is pretty much dead. Otherwise it puts out 13v-14v. So the detector thinks your battery is dead and is shutting off to keep from killing it.

**RanEnRui** · 07-29-2008, 10:17 PM

What brand did you get and where did you buy it? I bought mine at radio shack, although for 30$ (ugh), but it does work marvelously. My 9500ix reports 12.6V in my Honda when I am parked but the engine is still running (in neutral with e-brake on).

As for running voltage I am not sure but believe it should not fluctate that much, I remember my older car would dip under 12V and go above 13V at times, the 9500ix (as with most high end car electronics) are typically designed with good voltage regulators and other normalizing circuitry as there is a lot of "dirty power" in a car, namely older ones and some manufacturers.

I suggest you take that adapter back and get a different one, that one seems broken or something (poorly designed?). Mine powers both the V1 and the 9500ix no problem, but it was far more expensive than I imagined.

**category4** · 07-30-2008, 04:50 AM

Originally Posted by PreCog

Yes. Meaning it plugs into an AC outlet, being my home wall and then converts to DC. I then plug the cord that it came with into that adapter. If the outlet can power a vacuum or my microwave I dont see why enough juice isnt getting to it keep it running.

My home outlet is on a 15 amp breaker. The outlet is rated at 15 amps. Keep in mind this is an AC current and not a DC current I am referring to. The adapter down regulates the output to 12 - 18 volts DC.

I appreciate the idea about the jump start sticks.

What is the power output rating of the converter? It should be listed in va (volts amps) or watts. This is what will determine if it is a large enough power source to run the ix.

**cell21633** · 07-31-2008, 02:54 AM

Originally Posted by category4

What is the power output rating of the converter? It should be listed in va (volts amps) or watts. This is what will determine if it is a large enough power source to run the ix.

bingo. you need to make sure the AC-DC adapter can support the current, and thus the wattage draw, of the detector. most units have small, puny converters meant to charge cell phones.

**MEM-TEK** · 07-31-2008, 09:25 AM

It sounds like PreCog may be using a AC to DC adapter which provides unregulated voltage output. That would explain why the adapter is labeled 12 to 18 volts DC. Don't use an unregulated AC to DC adapter or you most likely will fry the radar detector. Instead you want to use an AC to DC adapter which has a fully regulated switching power supply. One Radio Shack model which I have frequently used with my 9500i and other radar detectors is their catalog number 273-1675. It outputs selectable DC voltages between 3 and 12 volts with up to 2 amps of current. Its voltage output is the proper value even when no load is attached to it, and that is very important!

An unregulated 12 volt power supply may output 18 or more volts with no load attached, yet outputs close to 12 volts when a load is attached. So, if you plugged in an unregulated adapter first, and then plugged in your electronic device, the momentary 18 volt output could fry your electronic device before the unregulated power supply stabilized at close to 12 volts.