Lind AC/DC Adaptor

[Peter Robinson]

I have a fairly new T42 and order a AC/DC adaptor from Lind Electronics. According to their web site, this unit is supposed to be for the T4x series.

When the adaptor is plugged into the T42, the battery light comes on as usual, but every two seconds or so it flashes for about 1/3 of a second. The IBM adaptor does not do this, and I'm worried that the Lind product may damage the battery or T42.

Has anyone else had this experience?

I searched several past posts and one person reported that a Targus AD/DC adaptor caused the screen to flash, but nothing else was mentioned about the adaptor.

I sent an e-mail to Lind asking for information about the flash but have not heard from them yet.

[Leon]

Don't know that adapter, but given the behavior you described, I would NOT use it. Lind will likely tell you not to worry. What are the exact output specs of this adapter?

[Peter Robinson]

The specs on the adaptor read:

AC Input: 100-240V-2.5A 50-60Hz

DC Output: 18-24V=4.75A & 90W Max

Then there is a table listing "Typical Outpur Voltage" and this adaptor has 19V checked.

The brand is listed a : Smart Power Solutions

I am taking your advice and will not use the adaptor!

[Leon]

Way out of spec. Don't use. Cheap/authentic IBM Adapters available on ebay.

Welcome to our Forum. Please add Location and other relevant information to your profile. Not required, but appreciated.

[jdhurst]

Ask to return the unit. It was wrong to advertise a 19V unit for the IBM T-series laptop. They all run on 16V. If Lind made an error, they should fix it. If they sold it deliberately, please let us know so we don't buy anything from them. ... JD Hurst

[craigg]

Don't use that Lind adapter as it could damage your Thinkpad. The standard output for the T42/43 is 16V DC. If the only reason you bought the Lind adapter is for convenience to run your laptop off of DC then save your money and buy a pocket inverter and use the adpter that IBM provided you. You can find them for under $20 if you look around.

http://www.vectormfg.com/site2/vectormf ... cts_id=348

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.as ... =&cat=&s=1

[fefland]

Don't use that Lind adapter as it could damage your Thinkpad. The standard output for the T42/43 is 16V DC. If the only reason you bought the Lind adapter is for convenience to run your laptop off of DC then save your money and buy a pocket inverter and use the adpter that IBM provided you. You can find them for under $20 if you look around.

http://www.vectormfg.com/site2/vectormf ... cts_id=348

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.as ... =&cat=&s=1

Thanks for posting the links. I may have to get one so I can use my thinkpad when I drive. .

Only kidding. It also may be nice to run my XBOX or GameCube for the kids in the car.

[Leon]

Don't joke! I drive to NYC weekly, and work on my TP with my Verizon Wireless Data Card. Good, strong, fast connection for the entire 250 miles.

(P.S. yes, someone else is at the wheel).

[Peter Robinson]

First, I'd like to say thanks for all the advice and warnings. I purchased my T42 after considering other brands, but reading the posts and help in this forum convinced me to purchase the IBM T42.

I just got off the phone with Lind Electronics and they are sending me a replacement charger. The person said that the specifications on the converter are nominal and that the interchangeable tip (it does come off) determines the final voltage. He verified that the tip is indeed (or supposed to be) a 16V tip.

Anyway he also told me to keep the original unit and to ship them both back if the battery indicator still flashes.

I'll post another message when I receive and test the replacement unit.

Thanks again for all the help!

[beerak]

First, I'd like to say thanks for all the advice and warnings. I purchased my T42 after considering other brands, but reading the posts and help in this forum convinced me to purchase the IBM T42.

I just got off the phone with Lind Electronics and they are sending me a replacement charger. The person said that the specifications on the converter are nominal and that the interchangeable tip (it does come off) determines the final voltage. He verified that the tip is indeed (or supposed to be) a 16V tip.

Anyway he also told me to keep the original unit and to ship them both back if the battery indicator still flashes.

I'll post another message when I receive and test the replacement unit.

Thanks again for all the help!

Heh ? That's like he says "We sell Buicks and 4 wheels are nominal only, sometimes it has 3 wheels or 5 wheels".

Send them both back asap. There is range of voltage as in case of the PC power supplies (up to +-10% 12, +-5% 3.3,5,CPU). But 19V is apx. +20% !
When you charge one Li-ion cell with higher voltage than apx. 4.2V it can seriously damage your battery. So if you have 4-cell battery then divide: 19 / 4 = 4.75

[Peter Robinson]

Well, Lind Electronics did come through. I spoke to their technical support person on Wednesday, April 6th, and today April 8th, I received a replacement power adaptor. It was send UPS 2nd Day Air.

The replacement unit does work correctly, but just to be sure I did some voltage measurements. Over the course of about an hour, the readings ranged from 6.12V to 6.25V, so it seems fine for the T42.

They also issued me an RMA for the original unit and I will be returning it to them.

I would certainly add Lind Electronics to the list of vendors who are reliable.