Is it safe to use the proprietary adapter ?

[riso]

I purchased an oscilloscope PicoScope 5444D MSO and with it came an adapter - output 12V 1.5A

In the instructions it is recommended to use the adapter 5V 1.6A pk 8W (@5 V)
(https://www.picotech.com/download/manuals/picoscope-5000d-series-users-guide.pdf)

Is it safe to use the proprietary 12 volt adapter and is it possible to use a 5V 2A adapter?

 

[barry]

I purchased an oscilloscope PicoScope 5444D MSO and with it came an adapter - output 12V 1.5A

In the instructions it is recommended to use the adapter 5V 1.6A pk 8W (@5 V)
(https://www.picotech.com/download/manuals/picoscope-5000d-series-users-guide.pdf)

Is it safe to use the proprietary 12 volt adapter and is it possible to use a 5V 2A adapter?

I'm GUESSING that the 5V spec is for powering it off of USB. If the manufacturer supplied the 12V adapter, I'd like to believe it's ok.

Try it, if your device blows up, it's on the manufacturer since they provided it. If you're the nervous type, ask the manufacturer instead of a bunch of strangers on the internet.

 

[riso]

I had been working with the 12 volt adapter for a short time and accidentally noticed the marking of 5 volts on the input of the oscilloscope as opposed to the adapter. Then I looked in the instructions and now I doubt whether this adapter can continue to be used. Maybe local specialists on electronics will be able to explain that it is permissible to supply a slightly higher voltage to the input of this type of device?
I'm sure the manufacturer will say to buy a 5 volt adapter (it's not clear just why they sent 12)

 

[barry]

I wouldn't go out and buy an adapter. Why would the manufacturer send you something that doesn't work with their scope? I don't think you're going to find a "local specialist" unless they're particularly knowledgeable about your specific device. Again, why don't you ask the manufacturer?

--- Updated Apr 2, 2022 ---

Did you buy this from a reputable source?

 

[KlausST]

Hi,

The text and the symbol clearly says 5V external power supply.
Was it a genuine product? In a genuine unopened box?

Klaus

 

[riso]

Was it a genuine product? In a genuine unopened box?

Yes. For this reason I was puzzled by the such discrepancy.

The device does work. It is not cheap and so I will replace the adapter.
But I am interested in the very safety of such situations (maybe for other cases)

 

[FvM]

But I am interested in the very safety of such situations (maybe for other cases)

I would never connect a 12 V power supply if the DC input is labelled "5V" and there's no explicite allowance for 12 V input voltage in the user manual.

 

[barry]

I would never connect a 12 V power supply if the DC input is labelled "5V" and there's no explicite allowance for 12 V input voltage in the user manual.

Depending on time, I would try it. Why should I have to go out and BUY an adapter when the manufacturer supplied one? If it blows up, it’s the manufacturer’s fault. It’s not inconceivable that this will work with 12 or 5 volts.

But, for the third time, WHY DONT YOU CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER?

 

[riso]

But, for the third time, WHY DONT YOU CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER?

I will.

(I don't have contact documentation with me)

 

[KlausST]

Hi,

I will.

(I don't have contact documentation with me)

I guess I don't understand.
An internet search for manufacturer contact informations takes less time than to write post#9.

Klaus

 

[BradtheRad]

Is it possible they substituted the 12V supply because the 5V supply is anemic and fails to power the scope continuously?

For all we know even the 12V supply falls a few volts in normal operation. You can try this experiment. The purpose is to discover when and whether the 12V supply is called on to provide extreme Ampere surges to the scope.

Install a resistor inline. Sufficient ohms to drop 6V in normal operation. Maybe we're talking 5 to 20 ohms. 10 or more Watts rating. Measure to see if the scope always receives 5V minimum.

Watch for sudden voltage drops. Watch to see if the unit shuts off. If it does then change to a lesser ohm resistor. You may discover a suitable ohm value which is sufficient to leave installed permanently.

Only spend brief seconds letting the voltage drop. The unit's operating characteristics may be altered if it is underpowered for too long a time

 

[KlausST]

Hi,

To clearly answer the initial question: "Is it safe to use the proprietary adapter ?"
I rephrase it to: "is it safe to use a 12V supply on a 5V rated supply input?"
--> My answer is: No. You risk damage. Although you may blame it on the manufacturer.

Klaus

 

[PicoStuart]

I purchased an oscilloscope PicoScope 5444D MSO and with it came an adapter - output 12V 1.5A

In the instructions it is recommended to use the adapter 5V 1.6A pk 8W (@5 V)
(https://www.picotech.com/download/manuals/picoscope-5000d-series-users-guide.pdf)

Is it safe to use the proprietary 12 volt adapter and is it possible to use a 5V 2A adapter?

Hi Riso, if you mail support@picotech.com they will ship a new 5V PSU. If only two of the four analog channels are required, the supplied USB cable is sufficient to power the device. To use all four
analog channels, or if the USB port provides less than 1200 mA, then you do need to connect the AC power adaptor 5 V and USB cable. There is overvoltage protection , if the incorrect power supply is connected the overvoltage protection circuity will only allow USB power.

I purchased an oscilloscope PicoScope 5444D MSO and with it came an adapter - output 12V 1.5A

In the instructions it is recommended to use the adapter 5V 1.6A pk 8W (@5 V)
(https://www.picotech.com/download/manuals/picoscope-5000d-series-users-guide.pdf)

Is it safe to use the proprietary 12 volt adapter and is it possible to use a 5V 2A adapter?

 

[riso]

If only two of the four analog channels are required, the supplied USB cable is sufficient to power the device.

10x! Looks like I got an understanding of the situation.
I tested the oscilloscope by connecting 1 sensor and therefore didn't use 4 channels at the same time.
I have purchased and will use the ac adaptor model dse12-050200: output dc5v-2.0a