a/c adaptor

I know this might sound a bit daft, but it says in the k-x manual to only use the adaptor specific to the camera, but i have 3 already at home, can i use one of these? Dont want to do any damage to my precious. Thanks in advance

Assuming they are the correct voltage and polarity then there shouldn't be a problem other than the fact that the plug on the camera where the external power supply connects is often unique.

If the K-X is like the K20D, then the problem you will face is obtaining a suitable plug. Those supplied with with third-party adapters are not compatible, even those described as 'universal' which come supplied with a variety of interchanegeable tips. I did investigate this and eventually was able to track one down that was manufactured by Hirose and described as a '3-position, low profile connector plug (part no. MQ172-3SA-CV50). If this is the same as used on the KX then you can obtain one here: link, although I never did get round to buying one.

Hope this helps,

Jon

If there's a socket on the k-x I haven't found it yet! The official Pentax adaptor simulates a battery and goes into the battery compartment. That said, I'd also be interested in any way of avoiding buying an expensive bit of kit whan I have such things lying around at home

Alan

thanks all, was just wondering, dont think i really need it yet anyway, too many other bits and pieces to buy yet

it is really easy to build battery replacements....
you take the right diameter wooden dowels and cut them slightly shorter than aa bateries, then screw in screws to the ends of the dowels and solder wire leads to them. insert instead of batteries and connect the leads to your ac power supply.
I do it all the time, hardly ever blow anything up...


ps glue sticks work if you cannot find dowels...

I have one of the connectors for the K10 and will be using it with both that and the K5. Now I just need to build the PSU... the input is 8.3V, right?

Bret

The voltage & polarity is usually printed on the appliance next to the power socket.

Make sure you give it enough current capacity, cameras are high drain appliances, the K100d model needs 3.5A IIRC. Most consumer PSUs are under 1A.
I ended up getting a 7A selectable voltage switched mode one, for the K100 (~£20). The Pentax model is reportedly 6.5V 3.5A, but 6V works perfectly (Its about what the 4 AA batteries give).

I'd be interested to hear about those occasions when something did blow up Don!

When I was younger, like ten or twelve I can't remember exactly... my friend down the road from my Gramma's had gotten an Estes Model Rocket kit for his birthday. That was soooo coool! We flew it a few times.
I didn't have money. But I had a library card. I took out some books on chemistry and Werner Von braun.
I scrounged up some scraps and household items and built my own rocket.
Going with liquid fuels for a first try was, how shall I put it? Ambitious.
I blew a hole big enough to bury a coffee table in, in Gramma's back yard.
That afternoon, my friends dad came over. He handed me a baseball sized rock (that had landed on his shop roof in his yard).... "This belongs to you I presume?" then he handed me a brand new Estes Rocket kit, Just like the one he gave his own son... "Play with this, it's safer."

Me and my friend, his son later that day got in trouble for damaging a parked car with a toy "Rocket car", sadly the frog piloting the car did not survive.
Live and learn... (if you live) I always say.

There is one other thing you need to be aware of with mains power supplies and electronic equipment. As well as watching for the maximum load, you can get regulated and un-regulated plug top power supplies.
You will need the right sort!

Sounds like your lucky to be here to still tell the tale!
Andy

Sounds like your lucky to be here to still tell the tale!
Andy[/quote]You have no idea how many times......
Yes God was angry at me. Said something about having to pay my Guardian Angel overtime and danger pay.

ok, im going straight out to get some of those wires and things....not. Eby, here i come

Ebay, even.