Electronics question

[atgcpaul]

I was feeling nostalgic last night and dug out my minidisc player to listen to some old recordings. I did find a power adapter that worked but it seems the LiIon battery no longer holds charge so my player isn't portable anymore. It did have a battery adapter that held 3 AAs, but I think I threw it out with my last electronics purge a few months ago.

Anyway, I want to make a new battery adapter but need to know what size plug fits into my player's power port. It's one of those hollow cylindrical plugs. There are many different sizes of those plugs. This one has a yellow tip and the player needs 4.5V. Is there some way for me to know what type of plug to order? Measure the OD with calipers and compare to what's available? And what is the actual name for these plugs so I'm doing the right search?

I'm trying to avoid the trip to RadioShack which seems it's all about drones and phones.

Thanks
Paul

[Condoman44]

You need to measure the inner pin diameter and the outer tube diameter. Like one I use is 5.5 X 2.1 mm to break out the AC adapter for hard wiring a CCTV camera.

[cwsmith]

While they are often called "barrel" plugs, their officially known as "coaxial DC power plugs". They are primarily in three popular sizes, L, M, and N. Here is a link to the Radio Shack website page.

https://www.radioshack.com/pages/search-results?search={q=coaxial%20power%20plugs} OOPs, this link doesn't appear to paste correctly, cut and paste or try this link instead:


https://www.radioshack.com/products/...er-plug-2-pack


Around here Radio Shack used to be the primary source, but they've closed one of the two stores we used to have. Check your local RS or other hobby-electronics store.

CWS

[LCHIEN]

As Condoman said, you need the plug ID (pin diameter) and the OD of the plug.
List what you measure, maybe we can help.

[Slik Geek]

With some sizes of these coaxial plugs, you may need a third measurement: the length of the barrel from the very tip to the collar of the strain relief or "handle" (the part you grip). They are sized in millimeters by most manufacturers today, although Switchcraft still uses imperial measurements. For example, the 2.1 mm ID / 5.5 mm OD barrel type could have barrel lengths of 9.5 mm, 12 mm, and 14 mm (maybe even more!). If the plug barrel is too long, it likely will still work but the mechanical connection won't be as secure as if it is properly sized. If you don't find the size that you need, try www.digikey.com. Search on "Barrel - Power Connectors". They have a wide selection. (I have no affiliation whatsoever with Digikey, other than I have ordered things from them personally as well as professionally for decades).

[LCHIEN]

If you gave us the dimensions, I would also have gone to Digikey to find the exact match. Like Slik Geek, I have used them since the 1970s as my parts supplier, professionally and personal. They have a great stock, a great on-line search tool, and great service, and will sell you one of most anything (although it may cost you $8 to mail it).

[atgcpaul]

Took me a while to figure out how to measure the barrel ID accurately (or pretty close) since it was hard to eyeball with my calipers.

Anyway, the barrel is 10mm long, 4mm OD, and 1.57mm ID (a 1/16" drill bit fit in there).

[atgcpaul]

I'm pretty sure this is it.

http://www.digikey.com/product-detai...2198-ND/568588

And yep, $4.60 in my cart (with something else) and $13 to ship

[LCHIEN]

I'm pretty sure this is it.

http://www.digikey.com/product-detai...2198-ND/568588

And yep, $4.60 in my cart (with something else) and $13 to ship

Digikey has a USPS Priority Mail option that is only $7.50 to ship small orders. Probably 3 days delivery. Check their other shipping options.

Oooh, but that one's out of stock.15 weeks delivery.

This one they have 1200+ in stock. Minimum order is one. for $2.17
Main difference is straight plug vs. Right angle.for the one out of stock.
http://www.digikey.com/product-detai...2194-ND/568584