Universal AC Adapter with Logitech Driving Force Pro?

[63Modified]

Well, my Thrustmaster Ferrari GT wheel finally croaked, and I have a Logitech Driving Force Pro that I've had for a while, but I don't have the AC adapter for it. I was wondering if a universal AC adapter would work for my wheel like this one here?

PowerLine 1300 mah Universal AC Adapter w/ USB Power Port: Computers : Walmart.com

I appreciate your help.

Josh

 

[KingDA]

Well, my Thrustmaster Ferrari GT wheel finally croaked, and I have a Logitech Driving Force Pro that I've had for a while, but I don't have the AC adapter for it. I was wondering if a universal AC adapter would work for my wheel like this one here?

PowerLine 1300 mah Universal AC Adapter w/ USB Power Port: Computers : Walmart.com

I appreciate your help.

Josh

You need at least an AC Adapter with 24V and 0.75A Output to get the wheel working correct.
At least the Adapter should have an output of 18 Watt (Volt * Ampere = Watt).
Any other AC Adapter with less then 24V might work, when the Ampere output is high enough, to generate the needed 18 Watt.

 

[vanboard14]

Amazon.com: Logitech Ac Adapter Steering Wheel: Electronics I'd just go ahead and buy the original for it. Mine is coming in the mail today i'll let you know for sure if its the right one. I'm pretty positive it is.

 

[Exterminator]

Match the voltage and amperage

You need at least an AC Adapter with 24V and 0.75A Output to get the wheel working correct.
At least the Adapter should have an output of 18 Watt (Volt * Ampere = Watt).
Any other AC Adapter with less then 24V might work, when the Ampere output is high enough, to generate the needed 18 Watt.

It is important to match both the voltage and amperage requirements of the wheel. If you use one that is lower voltage, some circuits in the wheel may not work properly. If you use on with to low of an amperage, the wheel may not work at all. Mismatching the power supply may seriously damage the circuits in the wheel. Most electronics today use chips for many of the circuits. Low voltage will keep some circuits from operating and in most cases will cause the chips to burn up. If you are going to use a "universal" power supply, make certain that it can be set to exactly match the original.

The voltage needs to match exactly. The amperage needs to be at least the same as the original, but if it is higher it is okay. The device will only use the amperage it needs.

I am a master electrician and years ago I had a 1st class FCC license. This means I know my stuff when it comes to electricity and electronics! Of course things have changed since I worked on electronics in the 70's and 80's but the principles are the same.

 

[KingDA]

It is important to match both the voltage and amperage requirements of the wheel. If you use one that is lower voltage, some circuits in the wheel may not work properly. If you use on with to low of an amperage, the wheel may not work at all. Mismatching the power supply may seriously damage the circuits in the wheel. Most electronics today use chips for many of the circuits. Low voltage will keep some circuits from operating and in most cases will cause the chips to burn up. If you are going to use a "universal" power supply, make certain that it can be set to exactly match the original.

The voltage needs to match exactly. The amperage needs to be at least the same as the original, but if it is higher it is okay. The device will only use the amperage it needs.

I am a master electrician and years ago I had a 1st class FCC license. This means I know my stuff when it comes to electricity and electronics! Of course things have changed since I worked on electronics in the 70's and 80's but the principles are the same.

We talk about an adapter and not the power supply.
The power supply is in the wheel. And the power supply controls the voltage and ampere output to the chips and motors.
At least the power supply can work with lower voltage and increase it to the needed voltage.
But you are right, a matching adapter is the best choice.
Everything else is USED AT OWN RISK.

And you should know the difference between AC/DC adapter and power supply.
AC adapter - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Power supply - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[Exterminator]

We talk about an adapter and not the power supply.
The power supply is in the wheel. And the power supply controls the voltage and ampere output to the chips and motors.
At least the power supply can work with lower voltage and increase it to the needed voltage.
But you are right, a matching adapter is the best choice.
Everything else is USED AT OWN RISK.

And you should know the difference between AC/DC adapter and power supply.
AC adapter - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Power supply - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The AC adapter is the first part of the power supply. It converts the voltage to a usable voltage and may convert the voltage from AC to DC depending on the device requirements. It may be called a "power supply".

Remember that anyone can edit a wiki page and you should be careful when referencing wikis because of that.
Power Supply Definition

Using an "AC adapter" with a lower voltage will cause loads to increase and may damage the circuits in the device because of that.
Refer to Ohm's law:
Ohm's Law

Since electronic circuits in IC chips primarily act as transistors, the input voltage is critical! If it varies from requirements it will not allow the circuits in most IC chips to function.

That said, if a replacement AC adapter is used, the output voltage needs to match the requirements exactly, but the output amperage may be higher without causing damage. This is because the applied load will only be as high as the device requires.

I don't mind being corrected when I am wrong, but in this case, I am correct!

 

[63Modified]

Thanks vanboard14, I look forward to seeing how it works, and thanks to everyone responding to this thread, all your help is appreciated.

 

[danomite664]

You can also check your local Radio Shack. They have an entire line of adapters with interchangeable tips. You have a good chance of finding the exact volts with amps at least what you need. I've bought these quite a few times for various electronics and have had good luck with them. Just be sure you know exactly what kind of tip you need... you could even take in the wheel and they can match it up for you.

 

[vanboard14]

I thought my adapter would be here yesterday but the weather in my area has kinda delayed our mail so it will be here tomorrow.

 

[63Modified]

Thanks vanboard14. I look forward to seeing how it works.

 

[vanboard14]

Well another round of snow has come through the area so it got delayed again. I hate where i live

 

[vanboard14]

It finally came in and it worked perfectly.

 

[Exterminator]

Woohoo!

 

[63Modified]

Thank you, I'm glad it works! I need to order one now haha.

 

[Erick]

Hello, Community. I bought a very nice Logitech Driving Force Pro set via eBay. A charity was selling it. While the wheel, pedals and box were pristine, they could not know that it absolutely needed an unusual A/C adapter to work. The box says nothing about what should be in there.

I found a source in the San Diego, California, USA area that seems to work. Around here, consumer electronics stores like Radio Shack do not carry adapters as beefy as 24 volts.

A small company called Willy's Electronic Supply Co., Inc. stocks a generic adapter that works with my Driving Force Pro (PS2). I've used it twice so far and it has worked perfectly. No smoke or smells, either (so far).

The details:
"Switching Power Supply"
Part No.: SW-2415D
Input: 100-240 VAC 50/60 Hz 1.2A
Output: 24 VDC 1.75 A Regulated
Plug: S2.1X5.5mm
Positive center

Here is a photo of the box (I hope this shows):
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/20/6t0g.jpg

Their website is: we-supply.com

Mine cost about $30.00 USD.

I understand they ship within the U.S., but not normally outside.
If you are outside the U.S., contact the branch manager of the San Diego (Mercury St.) branch and ask (politely) if an accommodation can be arranged. Maybe. No promises.
(I haven't talked with the other branch, so if you ask them, they won't know what you're talking about and will just say no.)