Power lead repair?

[renmure]

The power lead for charging my Compaq Presario R3000US laptop has broken/split at the point where the cable and plastic thickens before forming the 'jack' part. (hope that makes some sense) I seem to have always had the cable bent when in use and over time it has got to the point where the plastic sleave has split and the wire beneath is visible. For the past week or so I have been able to charge the laptop by wiggling the wire about and keeping it in that position but now even that has stopped working.

Can the wire be repaired? Any suggestions where? I actually bought the laptop in the US and havent had much luck trying to source a replacement.

Thanks in advance for any pointers.

Jim

[ThePassenger]

Take a look at the brick itself, it should have the power requirements on it. So as an example (looks at XPS brick):

130W AC
Input: 100 - 240v 50 - 60Hz, 2.5A
Output: 19.5V 6.7A

Then look at something like this Universal PSU Maplins also do a similar and pretty generic one that comes with a load of connectors. One of them, should work with you Compaq.

Edited by ThePassenger on Wednesday 20th December 19:14

[renmure]

Hi and Thanks for that.. go slowly here with me here, step at a time...
The 'brick' says

120W
Input: 110-240V 50-60Hz 2.5A
Output: 18.5V 6.5A

so, the next step is... ?

Again, thanks in advance

[ThePassenger]

www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?TabID=1&DOY=20m12&ModuleNo=98766&criteria=

Universal power brick, it appears to do what you need and will hopefully have a compatible tip.

[BliarOut]

ThePassenger said:

www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?TabID=1&DOY=20m12&ModuleNo=98766&criteria=

Universal power brick, it appears to do what you need and will hopefully have a compatible tip.

The Spec said:

The nine power tips supplied should cover the vast majority of laptops on the market, but for peace of mind a compatability guide is included in the box.

Well why not bloody well print it on the web page so you can check before you buy... grrr

[ThePassenger]

BlairOut said:

The Spec said:

The nine power tips supplied should cover the vast majority of laptops on the market, but for peace of mind a compatability guide is included in the box.

Well why not bloody well print it on the web page so you can check before you buy... grrr

Yeah I know, it gets my dander up as well. But it's Chavlins innit? (or should that be init string on this forum?) Just shove it back it the box, let the cat wee on it or something and return it as faulty.

[renmure]

ThePassenger said:

www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?TabID=1&DOY=20m12&ModuleNo=98766&criteria=

Universal power brick, it appears to do what you need and will hopefully have a compatible tip.

Many thanks for that. Reserved online for store collection.
Aint this internet thingy great

Jim

[ThePassenger]

renmure said:

ThePassenger said:

www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?TabID=1&DOY=20m12&ModuleNo=98766&criteria=

Universal power brick, it appears to do what you need and will hopefully have a compatible tip.

Many thanks for that. Reserved online for store collection.
Aint this internet thingy great

Jim

Internet? You mean your not little voices in my head? :worried:

[renmure]

A quick update...
got the part from Maplins but when I got it home none of the 9 power tips fitted the laptop. Bummer!!

I assume its because its a US product (R3140US) so I guess I either try to order a replacement from the US or back to plan (A)... is it possible to repair the lead itself and have the power tip part re-attached?

Again, thanks in advance again.

Jim

[ThePassenger]

Unlikley to be due to it comming from the USA, seriously, the voltages on your powerbrick suggest it's a universal so the only difference between UK and US versions would be the plug that the kettle leadcame with.

Repairing it might be possible, it depends if you can get the whole thing appart with out damage, thst way you could feed it a fresh peice of cable and also fix the surround.

If their is no obvious way to do this, I guess it's a buy another one from Compaq; kind of annoyed the Maplins universal one didn't work :S

[rameshuk]

A repair is possible. Generally you can find the tip from an electronics store and get it fixed.
The fact that you previously wiggled the wire and it worked shows its just a loose connection.

Ask in a TV repair shop or small electronics shop. In London they charge about £10-£15.
You could even ask a local school/college. They normally have a resident electronics expert who will be glad to help.

Soldering the jack+lead takes all of 5 mins.
Shame your not in London as I would have helped you for free !

R

[rameshuk]

**Quick update***


I have a friend who has a laptop shop in London.

Will talk to him in the morning and see what he can offer.

R

[BliarOut]

Can you post a pic of the damaged part.... It would give us repair options or maybe someone will know the correct name of the connector.

[renmure]

Thanks for the help and info.
I cant post a pic at the mo since my camera software is all on the laptop and I am borrowing a friends for the meantime. Most of the Maplin tips looked similar.. ie metal tube shaped but were either too narrow bore or too wide. The only visible differene I can make out between mine and all the Maplin ones is that the Maplin ones were all smooth inside the bore of the 'tube' where as mine has what appears to have a thin U-shaped strip of metal going down the inside bore of the tube, across the bottom, and back up the opposite inner-side of the tube.

I shall hunt in Yellow Pages for the type of electrical/electronics type shop as suggested although would be happy to pop it off in the post to anywhere that comes well recommended. Sometimes being in Rural Scotland does have its disadvantages

Jim