HD PVR 1212 power supplies

[valnar]

I had another power supply die for my PVR 1212 and I need to buy a new one. I know these devices are very picky, so does anyone have a lead on an A/C adapter that specifically works well with the Hauppauge PVR 1212?

[Zogg]

The best way is to power it from your PC if you can get a cable out of the case. Just cut off the old transformer and splice the power cable into a disk drive power cable, but be sure you are wiring up to 5 volts and not 12.

Or, just find a beefier supply on Amazon. Several years ago I bought a couple of D-Link adapters that were 3A and they've held up well since they have extra load capacity.

[valnar]

Originally Posted by Zogg

The best way is to power it from your PC if you can get a cable out of the case. Just cut off the old transformer and splice the power cable into a disk drive power cable, but be sure you are wiring up to 5 volts and not 12.

Or, just find a beefier supply on Amazon. Several years ago I bought a couple of D-Link adapters that were 3A and they've held up well since they have extra load capacity.

I was under the impression that the PVR 1212 was very sensitive and specific about what A/C adapter they use, to the point that any generic one won't work. They even sell components on eBay to fix it if you use the wrong one.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/25180803225...UAAOSwxYxUxY8j

[Zogg]

I've been using these since they first came out and never seen a reference to the issue mentioned in that Ebay ad before. I think that only happens if your wall wart goes bad and outputs a very wrong voltage and damages that device.

If you search you will find many posts on powering your HDPVR 1212 from the PC power supply, as it is usually a better and safer 5V source than the wall wart type which tend to go bad over time. But if that isn't possible, then a wall wart rated for higher amperage will tend to live longer and be more stable because you won't be putting as much load on it. I've mostly switched to HDPVR2's, but I still have one 1212 in use and it is running off one of the adapters I mentioned and works great.

[tvmaster2]

Originally Posted by valnar

I was under the impression that the PVR 1212 was very sensitive and specific about what A/C adapter they use, to the point that any generic one won't work. They even sell components on eBay to fix it if you use the wrong one.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/25180803225...UAAOSwxYxUxY8j

Zogg is correct - I’ve been doing the 5v power from PC for over a year on my HD1212 with no consequences. 5v is 5v.

Here’s the thread with pics, info, and Narflex’s confirmation of success. Can’t get better than that

https://forums.sagetv.com/forums/sho...861#post575861

[valnar]

Originally Posted by tvmaster2

Zogg is correct - I’ve been doing the 5v power from PC for over a year on my HD1212 with no consequences. 5v is 5v.

Here’s the thread with pics, info, and Narflex’s confirmation of success. Can’t get better than that

https://forums.sagetv.com/forums/sho...861#post575861

That's not an option.

OK I'll take a chance on a random 5V 2A adapter. Also, that thread you reference talks about how often they die, which is my problem.

[KeithAbbott]

Originally Posted by valnar

OK I'll take a chance on a random 5V 2A adapter. Also, that thread you reference talks about how often they die, which is my problem.

You might not be able to use just any-old 5V 2A adapter. Other things that need to match:

• Most, but not all adapters output DC voltage. If the old adapter outputs DC voltage, then the new one needs to output DC. If the old adapter outputs AC voltage, then the new one needs to output AC.
• The voltage output of the new adapter needs to match the voltage output of the new adapter, which sounds like it is 5V.
• The current output needs to be equal to or greater than the current output of the old adapter, which sounds like it is 2 amps. The 1212 device will use only as much current as it needs. Using an adapter that can supply additional current will not harm the 1212.
• Finally, and maybe most importantly, is the adapter connector that plugs into the 1212 unit. The polarity (+/-) must match the old adapter, and the diameter of the outside and inside of the plug must match the old adapter.

[wayner]

You might want to try a 5V, 3A power supply- there are lots on Amazon for about $10. https://www.amazon.com/s?k=5v+3a+power+supply

You don't really have to worry about other stuff. Even if the barrel size is wrong you can just cut the one off the old power supply and splice it in. In terms of AC or DC - I don't know that they even make 5VAC power supplies. The only AC power supplies similar to this are usually for doorbells or irrigation systems, and they are usually at least 12-24VAC.

Just don't get one with a USB end as USB power is 5V.

[Zogg]

Originally Posted by valnar

That's not an option.

OK I'll take a chance on a random 5V 2A adapter. Also, that thread you reference talks about how often they die, which is my problem.

Again, I encourage you to get a supply rated at 3A or greater, not 2A, so that you aren't pushing the components near their maximum rating. This is very common in the electronics world to "derate" items to allow extra margin. The price will be neglible but may give you longer life for your adapter.

[KeithAbbott]

Originally Posted by wayner

You don't really have to worry about other stuff. Even if the barrel size is wrong you can just cut the one off the old power supply and splice it in.

Even if you decide to head this route, you would still need to worry about polarity.

I would bet those eBay repair parts referred to above are for people who did not pay attention to one or more of the bullet points in my post.

[KeithAbbott]

Or, there's always the option of buying a replacement power adapter direct from Hauppauge: https://hauppauge.com/pages/webstore...er-supply.html

However, if you head this route, I would order two. That way you have a spare on hand in case the replacement fails down the road.