Connecting IDE Adapter to disk - voltage, amperage question?

  • Thread starter Thread starter zorro
  • Start date Start date
Z

zorro

Hi,

I bought an USB IDE Adapter which comes with an external power supply
"box" that I'm supposed to plug into the adapter. The (laptop) disk
drive that I'm planning to plug into the adapter has a sticker on which
is written : 5V 1.0A . The adapter power supply sticker has : 5V 2A .
Does the difference in amperage means I should't use the adapter?

The power supply also has a diagram of the connecting holes (the
adapter has 4 pins) : 1=+12V, 2=[empty], 3=GND, 4=+5V . How do I block
the 12V if I need only 5V?
 
zorro said:
Hi,

I bought an USB IDE Adapter which comes with an external power supply
"box" that I'm supposed to plug into the adapter. The (laptop) disk
drive that I'm planning to plug into the adapter has a sticker on which
is written : 5V 1.0A . The adapter power supply sticker has : 5V 2A .
Does the difference in amperage means I should't use the adapter?

The power supply also has a diagram of the connecting holes (the
adapter has 4 pins) : 1=+12V, 2=[empty], 3=GND, 4=+5V . How do I block
the 12V if I need only 5V?
Click to expand...
Don't worry. The power supply can source up to 2 amps. The drive
will only take what it needs and will ignore the 12 volts. The adapter is
able to be used with both types of disks.
 
Hi,

I bought an USB IDE Adapter which comes with an external power supply
"box" that I'm supposed to plug into the adapter. The (laptop) disk
drive that I'm planning to plug into the adapter has a sticker on which
is written : 5V 1.0A . The adapter power supply sticker has : 5V 2A .
Does the difference in amperage means I should't use the adapter?
Click to expand...

No, so long as the supply is regulated (as that one is) it
is good to have a reasonable margin, a supply capable of
higher output current than the device needs. On an
unregulated supply the story can be different as too high a
current rating means the voltage may float over the target
value but there are no unregulated external enclosure
supplies, as far as I know.
The power supply also has a diagram of the connecting holes (the
adapter has 4 pins) : 1=+12V, 2=[empty], 3=GND, 4=+5V . How do I block
the 12V if I need only 5V?
Click to expand...

It can be ignored, or if the enclosure had a fan, it might
use the 12V for that fan. The 12V would only be deliverd by
a connector with a pin for the 12V signal and your hard
drive will not have this connector type so it's fine left
as-is.
 
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