Understanding a Nintendo AC 220V to 24V 550mA DC Adapter

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding the behavior of a Nintendo AC 220V to 24V 550mA DC adapter, particularly in relation to its output characteristics and suitability for powering LED diodes. Participants explore concepts of voltage regulation, current output, and the implications of using such an adapter for LED applications.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks clarification on the markings of the adapter and how it behaves under load, questioning if it consistently provides 550mA regardless of the connected load.
  • Another participant suggests that the adapter's output could be regulated or unregulated, indicating that some adapters maintain a constant voltage while others may only provide a maximum rating.
  • There is a discussion about the meaning of the symbols on the adapter, with some participants interpreting the markings to indicate AC and DC outputs.
  • A participant mentions that the adapter acts like a voltage source with finite output impedance, noting that the output voltage may drop under load but should remain within specifications.
  • Concerns are raised about the performance of different types of adapters, with one participant describing the behavior of a specific adapter that shows significant voltage sag from no load to full load.
  • A later post asks for alternative power sources for a specific application involving multiple LED diodes, indicating a need for further exploration of suitable power options.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying views on the behavior of the adapter, particularly regarding whether it provides steady current or voltage. There is no consensus on the specific characteristics of the adapter or the best practices for using it with LED diodes.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the need for testing with a voltmeter and variable loads to better understand the adapter's performance, indicating that assumptions about its behavior may depend on specific conditions and definitions.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals interested in electronics, particularly those looking to understand power supply characteristics and their applications in LED lighting projects.

Bassalisk
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Hello,

I have this old Nintendo AC 220 V to 24 V 550 mA DC.

it has this

one full line followed below with dotted ones.

Can you help me read this? And how do these adapters behave. Do they ALWAYS give 550 mA, no matter how much voltage drop is connected to the end?

I am thinking of using that adapter for powering LED diodes, lots of them. I am expecting for a such adapter to behave like a battery.

THanks
 
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I'm not sure what "one full line followed below with dotted ones" refers too. If it is the output wires of your adapter, the usual convention is to mark the + wire with a white stripe or dots. A DC voltmeter will be of great use in validating this...

As to the 550mA thing, could be or not be. Some wall-warts are regulated, such that they will always produce, e.g. 24v -- at least until you try to draw more than, e.g., 550mA from them. Others are not regulated, the markings refer to their _maximum_ rating so you should be able to get 550mA at 24v, or less current with a somewhat higher voltage. The way to tell is, again, with your voltmeter and some variable loads, like a set of interestingly valued resistors.

And yes, you should be able to run LEDs, lots. Just start with a few in series with a resistor that would limit the current to around 20mA and see where to go from that.
 
http://pokit.etf.ba/get/a787fa53bd2848ee1b18b170d920e204.jpg

Here is the image, does this help?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Comparing it with the line above, it looks as if ~ denotes AC and those straight lines denote DC. :smile:
 
berkeman said:
The wall adapter will act like a voltage source with a finite output impedance. At no output load, you will read the source voltage, and as you load it more towards the 550mA, the output voltage will drop (but should still stay within spec).

I get it now, thanks folks !
 
BTW, the better DC adapters will have a voltage regulator at the output, so there may be a pretty low effective output resistance. The cheaper ones just have a rectifier and output capacitor, so they have a fair bit of sag from no load to full load.

One adapter that I use a lot runs about 13Vdc at no load, and just meets its spec of 9Vdc output at its full rated load of 500mA.
 
So, can you suggest me a good power source for let's say 25 LED diodes which run on 3,3 V and 20mA, alternative to DC adapters?
 

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