Hardware fix for Dell “AC power adapter could not be determined”

Re:Hardware fix for Dell “AC power adapter could not be dete... by rkagerer on Monday May 25, 2020 @04:58PM (#23304915)

Now solder that component into an adapter that goes between your jack and your third party power supply, and I'd buy it.

I don't even want to use illegit power supplies. Rather, I have a growing pile of genuine Dell ones (and jacks) that developed intermittent connections on that pin and no longer detect as authorized.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Hardware fix for Dell “AC power adapter could not be dete... by Doxin on Tuesday May 26, 2020 @07:29AM (#23309765)

At risk of kicking in an open door: have you tried using contact spray? I own a can of contact cleaner 390 by Kontakt Chemie (I'm sure other brands work similarly effectively) and that stuff is basically magic for intermittent contacts. So far I've used it to repair a buttload of wonky plugs, corroded battery contacts, as well as all the switches and volume knobs on my 40 year old amplifier. the volume knob still amazes me most. it went from an awful crackly mess to perfectly smooth and it still is perfect 5 years later.

Anyways long story short: give contact spray a try. Worst case the contacts are deformed too badly and it wont work.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Hardware fix for Dell “AC power adapter could not be dete... by jsymolon on Tuesday May 26, 2020 @09:00AM (#23310545)

I usually end up replacing the jack (female) in the laptop first due to rough handling.

The plug wiggles and doesn't make a good connection.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Hardware fix for Dell “AC power adapter could not be dete... by emilfihlman on Tuesday May 26, 2020 @06:17AM (#23309235)

This could actually be done with just a tiny programmable mcu, like an AVR. Interesting proposition indeed!

[ Parent | on HN ]