inverter vs AC/DC adapter for in-car Nintendo

**drumstyk1** · 03-21-2005, 05:38 PM

I am puting an original Nintendo NES in my car and the guy told me that i need to buy a $40 power inverter somewhat like this:

http://www.dsmiller.com/html/Electro...ers-PINV-3.htm

High surge capability 12 volt power inverter

Generate single 115 volts 60 cycle as power from any 12 volts DC power source

Replacable spade fuse

Use in car, truck, RV boat, aircraft, or video games

I don't see what is wrong with the little $8 universal AC/DC adapter from walmart similar to this one:

http://www.monstronix.com/product_in...oducts_id=6617

Converts 12V DC to 1.5, 3, 4.5, 5, 6, 9 or 12V

Provides up to 1000mAh of current

Ergonomic design, fits most cigarette lighter outlets

Includes 6 of the most common plug tips

it is one of those things that plugs into the cigarette lighter and you set the voltage and snap on the right size tip to plug into the back of whatever you're powering. The NES is 9 volts and it seems like the one rated 3-12V would do just fine, but the installer is convinced that it will fry it (but since he also said my double din was a din and a half i thought i would get a second opinion).

i got these specs online but i am stupid when it comes to electrical stuff
Adapter Specs
Voltage: 9V
Amperage: 1.3A (1300mA)
Polarity:

Adapter Plug (Coaxial DC Power Plug): 5.5mm O.D., 2.1mm I.D.

any thoughts/ideas are extremely appreciated!!
thanks so much,
Eric

**shakes** · 03-21-2005, 05:46 PM

The cig lighter adapter would work as long as it can provide the current needed by the NES. You say your NES adapter says it provides 9v @ 1.3A ... and the Jensen adapter only says 1A ...

However assuming it's able to provide 1A at 12V (12 watts) it should be able to provide 1.3A at 9v (11.7 watts).

For $8 it's worth buying just to try it.

**drumstyk1** · 03-21-2005, 05:53 PM

well what would the risks be? if it is not enough amps to power it could it damage the system?? if it is on the edge would it maybe flicker out when i turn my headlights on or my subs hit too hard?? LOL

thanks again,
Eric

**shakes** · 03-21-2005, 06:08 PM

if the current is insufficient it just won't work ... or it will work intermitantly ... shouldn't be any threat of damage.

just make sure you don't give it any more than 9v ... that WILL damage it.

**drumstyk1** · 03-21-2005, 06:27 PM

I was surfin around and came across one rated 3-12V 2000mah...

if that is set at the 9V do i have to worry about that much current going to it?

~Eric

**shakes** · 03-21-2005, 06:30 PM

no, current is drawn from the load (in this case the NES) not fed from the source (your car).

So if the power supply is ABLE to supply 2A, it will only actually supply what the device you plug in asks for up to 2A (unless there's a short, but no matter).

Voltage on the other hand is the other way around.

**Bobby Digital** · 03-21-2005, 06:35 PM

be sure to check the polarity of the plug, your specs for the adaptor you listed show it being center-negetive so make sure the nintendo plug-in takes center-negetive

**drumstyk1** · 03-21-2005, 06:46 PM

well the "adapter specs" that i listed were for the actual adapter that comes with the nintendo... is that pretty standard or do i have to make sure that the car adapter has the proper polarity?

thanks for all the help!

**averagejoe** · 12-25-2005, 02:56 PM

Originally Posted by drumstyk1

well the "adapter specs" that i listed were for the actual adapter that comes with the nintendo... is that pretty standard or do i have to make sure that the car adapter has the proper polarity?

thanks for all the help!

Is the center negative polarity spec correct for the nintendo system? On the back of my nintendo it shows 850 ma, not 1.3 amps. Since your amp spec does not match my unit I'm wondering if your polarity spec might also be wrong (for my unit).