I rescue/repair/reuse/repurpose, a lot of kit. Many small
appliances have external power adapter.

And, those adapters often get separated from their associated
kit.

One can determine the type of mating connector required
by an examination of the power-inlet on the device.

And, the device will usually indicate actual power requirements
in some way or another. Often including polarity.

There is obviously an aftermarket for these power supplies
(warts/bricks).

Yet, invariably, the vendors go to extra lengths to remove any
similar indications ON the devices they are selling. As if
it was a trade secret of considerable value (why bother, otherwise?)

I don't understand the thinking behind this. To whom are they trying to
avoid disclosing the information? Competitors? Customers??

Note that the obscured markings don't help with identifying the
actual physical connectors as they are only represented abstractly
or schematically. And, Vout/Iout would seem to WANT to be disclosed
so the customer is assured that these comply with the Vin/Iin
requirements often stated in the documentation for the device powered
by said adapter.

For 2-pin connectors (e.g., barrel), the "pinout" is almost always
"center positive" (in the US) so there's nothing to be gained by
obscuring THAT.

Are they afraid someone is going to BUY a connector and MAKE an
power supply, thus depriving them of ONE sale? Are they sure the
powered device doesn't already disclose the information they are
trying to suppress? Or, a competitor's product? Or, a forum??

It seems about as useful as blurring the size code on an
automobile tire and just claiming "Fits Lexus RX"
(as if they were the sole guardian of those "secrets"
and no one else knows ANYTHING about a Lexus RX!)

--- PyGate Linux v1.5.15
* Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)

"Don Y" <blockedofcourse@foo.invalid> wrote in message news:10v9en4$3fbfu$1@dont-email.me...

I rescue/repair/reuse/repurpose, a lot of kit. Many small
appliances have external power adapter.

And, those adapters often get separated from their associated
kit.

One can determine the type of mating connector required
by an examination of the power-inlet on the device.

And, the device will usually indicate actual power requirements
in some way or another. Often including polarity.

There is obviously an aftermarket for these power supplies
(warts/bricks).

Yet, invariably, the vendors go to extra lengths to remove any
similar indications ON the devices they are selling. As if
it was a trade secret of considerable value (why bother, otherwise?)

I don't understand the thinking behind this. To whom are they trying to avoid disclosing the information? Competitors? Customers??

One reason may be marketing.
A good percentage of people who order the wrong item won't bother to return it.

Another reason might be an attempt to reduce the return rate for wrong items.

A good percentage of people have no understanding of how to match
a power adapter with a specific piece of equipment and no understanding
of what may happen if you connect a 12V adapter to a 5V port.

So it's best to leave that to those who can actually measure the V and
check the polarity and make sure there is enough A.

Then those who get it wrong can't make silly claims like I didn't see
why 12V would be a problem for a 5V device because it was the
correct connector so I'm suing you for $$$ for damaging my equipment.

Note that the obscured markings don't help with identifying the
actual physical connectors as they are only represented abstractly
or schematically. And, Vout/Iout would seem to WANT to be disclosed
so the customer is assured that these comply with the Vin/Iin
requirements often stated in the documentation for the device powered
by said adapter.

For 2-pin connectors (e.g., barrel), the "pinout" is almost always
"center positive" (in the US) so there's nothing to be gained by
obscuring THAT.

I recall an individual who wouldn't let me get a https://www.google.com/search?q=roland+ep7
working in minutes rather than days because you have to use the
correct adapter. Cutting wires to reverse the polarity is not allowed.
(It has positive outer).

Are they afraid someone is going to BUY a connector and MAKE an
power supply, thus depriving them of ONE sale? Are they sure the
powered device doesn't already disclose the information they are
trying to suppress? Or, a competitor's product? Or, a forum??

It seems about as useful as blurring the size code on an
automobile tire and just claiming "Fits Lexus RX"
(as if they were the sole guardian of those "secrets"
and no one else knows ANYTHING about a Lexus RX!)

--- PyGate Linux v1.5.15
* Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)

On 05/28/2026 07:58 AM, Edward Rawde wrote:

"Don Y" <blockedofcourse@foo.invalid> wrote in message news:10v9en4$3fbfu$1@dont-email.me...

I rescue/repair/reuse/repurpose, a lot of kit. Many small
appliances have external power adapter.

And, those adapters often get separated from their associated
kit.

One can determine the type of mating connector required
by an examination of the power-inlet on the device.

And, the device will usually indicate actual power requirements
in some way or another. Often including polarity.

There is obviously an aftermarket for these power supplies
(warts/bricks).

Yet, invariably, the vendors go to extra lengths to remove any
similar indications ON the devices they are selling. As if
it was a trade secret of considerable value (why bother, otherwise?)

I don't understand the thinking behind this. To whom are they trying to
avoid disclosing the information? Competitors? Customers??

One reason may be marketing.
A good percentage of people who order the wrong item won't bother to return it.

Another reason might be an attempt to reduce the return rate for wrong items.

A good percentage of people have no understanding of how to match
a power adapter with a specific piece of equipment and no understanding
of what may happen if you connect a 12V adapter to a 5V port.

So it's best to leave that to those who can actually measure the V and
check the polarity and make sure there is enough A.

Then those who get it wrong can't make silly claims like I didn't see
why 12V would be a problem for a 5V device because it was the
correct connector so I'm suing you for $$$ for damaging my equipment.

Note that the obscured markings don't help with identifying the
actual physical connectors as they are only represented abstractly
or schematically. And, Vout/Iout would seem to WANT to be disclosed
so the customer is assured that these comply with the Vin/Iin
requirements often stated in the documentation for the device powered
by said adapter.

For 2-pin connectors (e.g., barrel), the "pinout" is almost always
"center positive" (in the US) so there's nothing to be gained by
obscuring THAT.

I recall an individual who wouldn't let me get a https://www.google.com/search?q=roland+ep7
working in minutes rather than days because you have to use the
correct adapter. Cutting wires to reverse the polarity is not allowed.
(It has positive outer).

Are they afraid someone is going to BUY a connector and MAKE an
power supply, thus depriving them of ONE sale? Are they sure the
powered device doesn't already disclose the information they are
trying to suppress? Or, a competitor's product? Or, a forum??

It seems about as useful as blurring the size code on an
automobile tire and just claiming "Fits Lexus RX"
(as if they were the sole guardian of those "secrets"
and no one else knows ANYTHING about a Lexus RX!)

How about cordless power tools and the idea of making a
simpled corded adapter so that at some future point it's
simple to keep the tool running even if the battery manufacturer
has moved on yet AC mains is still a thing?

These days it seems that the cordless tool manufacturers
are simply using "USB charging" or a similar protocol.

Some cordless tool manufacturers do offer a corded adapter,
or Ridgid does, and various owners of the tools have reverse
engineered the protocols, and made their own.



--- PyGate Linux v1.5.15
* Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)

On 05/28/2026 08:29 AM, Ross Finlayson wrote:

On 05/28/2026 07:58 AM, Edward Rawde wrote:

"Don Y" <blockedofcourse@foo.invalid> wrote in message
news:10v9en4$3fbfu$1@dont-email.me...

I rescue/repair/reuse/repurpose, a lot of kit. Many small
appliances have external power adapter.

And, those adapters often get separated from their associated
kit.

One can determine the type of mating connector required
by an examination of the power-inlet on the device.

And, the device will usually indicate actual power requirements
in some way or another. Often including polarity.

There is obviously an aftermarket for these power supplies
(warts/bricks).

Yet, invariably, the vendors go to extra lengths to remove any
similar indications ON the devices they are selling. As if
it was a trade secret of considerable value (why bother, otherwise?)

I don't understand the thinking behind this. To whom are they trying to >>> avoid disclosing the information? Competitors? Customers??

One reason may be marketing.
A good percentage of people who order the wrong item won't bother to
return it.

Another reason might be an attempt to reduce the return rate for wrong
items.

A good percentage of people have no understanding of how to match
a power adapter with a specific piece of equipment and no understanding
of what may happen if you connect a 12V adapter to a 5V port.

So it's best to leave that to those who can actually measure the V and
check the polarity and make sure there is enough A.

Then those who get it wrong can't make silly claims like I didn't see
why 12V would be a problem for a 5V device because it was the
correct connector so I'm suing you for $$$ for damaging my equipment.

Note that the obscured markings don't help with identifying the
actual physical connectors as they are only represented abstractly
or schematically. And, Vout/Iout would seem to WANT to be disclosed
so the customer is assured that these comply with the Vin/Iin
requirements often stated in the documentation for the device powered
by said adapter.

For 2-pin connectors (e.g., barrel), the "pinout" is almost always
"center positive" (in the US) so there's nothing to be gained by
obscuring THAT.

I recall an individual who wouldn't let me get a
https://www.google.com/search?q=roland+ep7
working in minutes rather than days because you have to use the
correct adapter. Cutting wires to reverse the polarity is not allowed.
(It has positive outer).

Are they afraid someone is going to BUY a connector and MAKE an
power supply, thus depriving them of ONE sale? Are they sure the
powered device doesn't already disclose the information they are
trying to suppress? Or, a competitor's product? Or, a forum??

It seems about as useful as blurring the size code on an
automobile tire and just claiming "Fits Lexus RX"
(as if they were the sole guardian of those "secrets"
and no one else knows ANYTHING about a Lexus RX!)

How about cordless power tools and the idea of making a
simpled corded adapter so that at some future point it's
simple to keep the tool running even if the battery manufacturer
has moved on yet AC mains is still a thing?

These days it seems that the cordless tool manufacturers
are simply using "USB charging" or a similar protocol.

Some cordless tool manufacturers do offer a corded adapter,
or Ridgid does, and various owners of the tools have reverse
engineered the protocols, and made their own.

The other day I bought a maintenance-free lead-acid battery
with 900+ cold cranking amps, it cost less than a usual
two or three hour drill battery these days, though I was
able to find a remanufactured drill battery for my 20-year
old drill, as the original manufacturer "went out of business",
say, or rather, "ended support".

So it'd be simpler for me to have a little battery cart
and corded adapters to tools, also much less expensive,
also much less prone to becoming useless despite not
being used, probably filed under "right to repair".

The "value engineering" here is a lifetime bit not
the "value engineering" of the disposable variety.

Which is considered disposable itself, ....



--- PyGate Linux v1.5.15
* Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)

On Thu, 28 May 2026 06:07:46 -0700, Don Y
<blockedofcourse@foo.invalid> wrote:

I rescue/repair/reuse/repurpose, a lot of kit. Many small
appliances have external power adapter.

And, those adapters often get separated from their associated
kit.

One can determine the type of mating connector required
by an examination of the power-inlet on the device.

And, the device will usually indicate actual power requirements
in some way or another. Often including polarity.

There is obviously an aftermarket for these power supplies
(warts/bricks).

Yet, invariably, the vendors go to extra lengths to remove any
similar indications ON the devices they are selling. As if
it was a trade secret of considerable value (why bother, otherwise?)

I don't understand the thinking behind this. To whom are they trying to >avoid disclosing the information? Competitors? Customers??

Note that the obscured markings don't help with identifying the
actual physical connectors as they are only represented abstractly
or schematically. And, Vout/Iout would seem to WANT to be disclosed
so the customer is assured that these comply with the Vin/Iin
requirements often stated in the documentation for the device powered
by said adapter.

For 2-pin connectors (e.g., barrel), the "pinout" is almost always
"center positive" (in the US) so there's nothing to be gained by
obscuring THAT.

Are they afraid someone is going to BUY a connector and MAKE an
power supply, thus depriving them of ONE sale? Are they sure the
powered device doesn't already disclose the information they are
trying to suppress? Or, a competitor's product? Or, a forum??

It seems about as useful as blurring the size code on an
automobile tire and just claiming "Fits Lexus RX"
(as if they were the sole guardian of those "secrets"
and no one else knows ANYTHING about a Lexus RX!)

There's no conspiracy. Most people who furnish a wart with a product
just don't worry about it.

We assign a model number to the warts that we resell, and put a
sticker on them.

When I buy something, a hub maybe, I write on its wart to keep track
of what it's for.

I have some warts on my bench for general use. I color code the barrel connectors so I don't poke a 24 volt one into a 5-volt box (again).

A dual-banana-to-barrel cable is cool because it lets me power things
from a bench supply and ramp up voltage and see the current.

We try to design products that tolerate +-24 volts without damage.



John Larkin
Highland Tech Glen Canyon Design Center
Lunatic Fringe Electronics

--- PyGate Linux v1.5.15
* Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)

On 5/28/2026 7:58 AM, Edward Rawde wrote:

"Don Y" <blockedofcourse@foo.invalid> wrote in message news:10v9en4$3fbfu$1@dont-email.me...

I rescue/repair/reuse/repurpose, a lot of kit. Many small
appliances have external power adapter.

And, those adapters often get separated from their associated
kit.

One can determine the type of mating connector required
by an examination of the power-inlet on the device.

And, the device will usually indicate actual power requirements
in some way or another. Often including polarity.

There is obviously an aftermarket for these power supplies
(warts/bricks).

Yet, invariably, the vendors go to extra lengths to remove any
similar indications ON the devices they are selling. As if
it was a trade secret of considerable value (why bother, otherwise?)

I don't understand the thinking behind this. To whom are they trying to
avoid disclosing the information? Competitors? Customers??

One reason may be marketing.
A good percentage of people who order the wrong item won't bother to return it.

But, they will *find* said items by searching for "power adapter for a thingamajig 2000" -- which may also be listed (as in "advertised") as
"... and a whatchamacallit 9845, gizmolator 23 and discombobulator 8".
You expect the vendor to stand behind these claims -- especailly to the
extent of not *damaging* any of those listed products for which you may
be purchasing it. (as that would likel motivate you to discredit the seller!)

Another reason might be an attempt to reduce the return rate for wrong items.

How would they KNOW it was "wrong"? Presumably, the unwashed masses
would just plug it in and see if it works. And, if you stand behind
your claim for the listed applications, it *should*, right?

A good percentage of people have no understanding of how to match
a power adapter with a specific piece of equipment and no understanding
of what may happen if you connect a 12V adapter to a 5V port.

Then, those folks would likely not even know to look for such markings
on the adapter *and* the powered device.

So it's best to leave that to those who can actually measure the V and
check the polarity and make sure there is enough A.

But, you're not telling those people what the offering can be
expected to produce -- until they have it in their hands and can
see the obfuscated markings.

Then those who get it wrong can't make silly claims like I didn't see
why 12V would be a problem for a 5V device because it was the
correct connector so I'm suing you for $$$ for damaging my equipment.

"You CLAIMED, in the listing, that it would work for my thingamajig 2000.
I don't bear any responsibility for *interpreting* the electrical
parameters of said device as I relied on your assurances that it WOULD
work for my thingamajig 2000. So, YOU have claimed fitness for a specific function..."

See? I just don't understand what it buys them to take the extra
step of obfuscating that information PRESENT IN A PHOTOGRAPH
(not *claimed* in the listing).

Note that the obscured markings don't help with identifying the
actual physical connectors as they are only represented abstractly
or schematically. And, Vout/Iout would seem to WANT to be disclosed
so the customer is assured that these comply with the Vin/Iin
requirements often stated in the documentation for the device powered
by said adapter.

For 2-pin connectors (e.g., barrel), the "pinout" is almost always
"center positive" (in the US) so there's nothing to be gained by
obscuring THAT.

I recall an individual who wouldn't let me get a https://www.google.com/search?q=roland+ep7
working in minutes rather than days because you have to use the
correct adapter. Cutting wires to reverse the polarity is not allowed.
(It has positive outer).

Sony and Siemens products seem to also be "backwards".

I have a few digitally programmable bench supplies to which
I connect an appropriately terminated cable. This lets me
monitor (and limit) power consumed (as there is no guarantee
that the kit is functional and why would I want to risk damaging
a power adapter?!)

Are they afraid someone is going to BUY a connector and MAKE an
power supply, thus depriving them of ONE sale? Are they sure the
powered device doesn't already disclose the information they are
trying to suppress? Or, a competitor's product? Or, a forum??

It seems about as useful as blurring the size code on an
automobile tire and just claiming "Fits Lexus RX"
(as if they were the sole guardian of those "secrets"
and no one else knows ANYTHING about a Lexus RX!)

I've seen cases where products were developed and advertised
with the identities of "select" components obfuscated -- until
you placed an order for one.

And, some products where the markings on the components have
actually been ground off.

But, these are so easily worked-around as to be laughable
(if I wanted to reverse engineer your device, do you think
I'd need that information? Or, that the lack of a schematic
would deter me?)

--- PyGate Linux v1.5.15
* Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)

On 5/28/2026 8:29 AM, Ross Finlayson wrote:

How about cordless power tools and the idea of making a
simpled corded adapter so that at some future point it's
simple to keep the tool running even if the battery manufacturer
has moved on yet AC mains is still a thing?

These days it seems that the cordless tool manufacturers
are simply using "USB charging" or a similar protocol.

Putting charge *into* a battery is a lot less challenging
than ensuring you can get it out, fast enough.

Some cordless tool manufacturers do offer a corded adapter,
or Ridgid does, and various owners of the tools have reverse
engineered the protocols, and made their own.

And, the corded adapter has to ensure it can make available the
startup and run currents (accommodating cable losses) of
the particular powered device.

One of the advantages in the designs of battery-powered
tools is the proximity of the power source to the load.

--- PyGate Linux v1.5.15
* Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)

On 28/05/2026 14:07, Don Y wrote:

I rescue/repair/reuse/repurpose, a lot of kit.ÿ Many small
appliances have external power adapter.

And, those adapters often get separated from their associated
kit.

One can determine the type of mating connector required
by an examination of the power-inlet on the device.

And, the device will usually indicate actual power requirements
in some way or another.ÿ Often including polarity.

There is obviously an aftermarket for these power supplies
(warts/bricks).

Yet, invariably, the vendors go to extra lengths to remove any
similar indications ON the devices they are selling.ÿ As if
it was a trade secret of considerable value (why bother, otherwise?)

I don't understand the thinking behind this.ÿ To whom are they trying to avoid disclosing the information?ÿ Competitors?ÿ Customers??

Note that the obscured markings don't help with identifying the
actual physical connectors as they are only represented abstractly
or schematically.ÿ And, Vout/Iout would seem to WANT to be disclosed
so the customer is assured that these comply with the Vin/Iin
requirements often stated in the documentation for the device powered
by said adapter.

For 2-pin connectors (e.g., barrel), the "pinout" is almost always
"center positive" (in the US) so there's nothing to be gained by
obscuring THAT.

Are they afraid someone is going to BUY a connector and MAKE an
power supply, thus depriving them of ONE sale?ÿÿ Are they sure the
powered device doesn't already disclose the information they are
trying to suppress?ÿ Or, a competitor's product?ÿ Or, a forum??

It seems about as useful as blurring the size code on an
automobile tire and just claiming "Fits Lexus RX"
(as if they were the sole guardian of those "secrets"
and no one else knows ANYTHING about a Lexus RX!)

I hate the new 'universal ' barrel plugs/sockets from Asia... they
'claim' to be universal 2.1/2.5 mm. IME they're utter crap. Plugging a universal plug into a 2.1 socket it will fall out with the slightest of pressure- e.g socket on the bottom of a wall mounted device, plug plugs
in from below. Weight of cable means it's totally unreliable and likely
to fall out onter it's own weight.
Only solution, it seems, is to throw away my 2.1 sockets and replace
with 2.5 version. Then all my legacy wall warts that are 2.1 are bin jobs...bummer

--
This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. www.avast.com

--- PyGate Linux v1.5.15
* Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)

On 5/28/2026 3:20 PM, TTman wrote:

I hate the new 'universal ' barrel plugs/sockets from Asia... they 'claim' to
be universal 2.1/2.5 mm. IME they're utter crap. Plugging a universal plug into
a 2.1 socket it will fall out with the slightest of pressure- e.g socket on the
bottom of a wall mounted device, plug plugs in from below. Weight of cable means it's totally unreliable and likely to fall out onter it's own weight. Only solution, it seems, is to throw away my 2.1 sockets and replace with 2.5
version. Then all my legacy wall warts that are 2.1 are bin jobs...bummer

Some of my devices use a barrel connector that has small "wings";
plug in, rotate 90 degrees and the "wings" prevent it from
being removed, accidentally.

About the *only* thing barrel connectors have going for them
(from a user's perspective) is they mate easily -- assuming you
already have the correct partner!

--- PyGate Linux v1.5.15
* Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)

On Thu, 28 May 2026 15:50:14 -0700, Don Y
<blockedofcourse@foo.invalid> wrote:

On 5/28/2026 3:20 PM, TTman wrote:

I hate the new 'universal ' barrel plugs/sockets from Asia... they 'claim' to
be universal 2.1/2.5 mm. IME they're utter crap. Plugging a universal plug into
a 2.1 socket it will fall out with the slightest of pressure- e.g socket on the
bottom of a wall mounted device, plug plugs in from below. Weight of cable >> means it's totally unreliable and likely to fall out onter it's own weight. >> Only solution, it seems, is to throw away my 2.1 sockets and replace with 2.5
version. Then all my legacy wall warts that are 2.1 are bin jobs...bummer

Some of my devices use a barrel connector that has small "wings";
plug in, rotate 90 degrees and the "wings" prevent it from
being removed, accidentally.

About the *only* thing barrel connectors have going for them
(from a user's perspective) is they mate easily -- assuming you
already have the correct partner!

We use a threaded barrel connector on our products so a user can elect
to use a threaded cable.

https://highlandtechnology.com/Product/J744


John Larkin
Highland Tech Glen Canyon Design Center
Lunatic Fringe Electronics

--- PyGate Linux v1.5.15
* Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)