Hosa ACD-477

Unlike all the other universal DC supplies I've seen, this one is voltage regulated. This means there's a semiconductor control that keeps the voltage constant across a wide range of loads. Without regulation, the voltage of a DC supply will only be correct when it's providing its rated current output. If the load is less, the voltage will rise and could damage the device being powered.The supply is rated for 1200mA and can run on AC at 100 to 240 volts. Under a 580mA load on the 12v setting the voltage fell from 12.06v to 11.82v. On the 6v setting it fell from 5.68v to 5.48v. This is pretty good. With the regulation, there's no risk of damaging the device being powered, as long as you set the voltage and plug polarity properly.Compared to another of my universal supplies, this one causes a bit less buzz when powering a little self-amplified speaker. I had to hold the speaker right up to my ear to hear the noise.Since it's a switching power supply rather than a transformer, it's small and light compared to other universal supplies I've seen. When left plugged in with no load, it doesn't get warm at all.The AC plug prongs fold down for easier storage.The only criticism I'd offer is that the selection of plug tips could be better. I'd like to see a couple of the headphone-like plugs, and a 9-volt battery connector. If it had 12 plug tips like some other supplies, it'd be a perfect product. But I think you can buy other tips of this type; it seems to be a standard.I may buy a couple more of these.

I understand some peoples' concern about the lack of UL rating but I use this power supply on a project basis where I'm always present rather than leaving it on continuously when I'm not around. I also build and repair electronics and think I understand and can protect myself from calculated versus careless risk.This adapter works fine. I used a meter to confirm the switch regulates as advertised. One thing to be aware of is you can attach the right-angle tips in positive or negative polarity by aligning the 'TIP' marking on the cable socket with the '+' or '-' sign on the tip. This is mentioned in the instructions (but when's the last time you bothered to read them for such a device?).It's a very similar design to the Insignia brand universal adapter sold at Best Buy that has straight-length tips rather than right-angled but doesn't allow you to flip polarity - and costs about $7-8 dollars more than the Hosa.The tips themselves fit fine: effects pedals, keyboards, portable CD player -everything I've tried has a matching tip that gives a snug fit. Perhaps there are some oddball devices out there with proprietary plugs or certain outlets where the right-angled tip can't get in deep enough, but that's going to be the exception by far.If you're looking for something to use unattended, I agree and would spend more for something rated. But if you're strictly set up/tear down this power supply is cheap and versatile.

what can I say, it does its job.

I purchased this item because I had lost my DC adapter to my cordless drill. My drill is only 7.5V so this adapter was within the needed range. There is a dial on it to select the correct voltage as well as the different sized general plugs. I did run into a slight problem because my drill did not state whether it was positive or negative polarity. I looked it up and learned that a rule of thumb that usually works (but definitely not always) is that if the plug hole has a center pin it is more than likely positive. I would research your item as best as possible though before doing that, and I definitely wouldn't guestimate in that way if it were an expensive item. But I set my adapter to positive and it charged by drill just fine. I also have a few other items around the house that I intend to use this for so I am very happy with it so far. One thing I would like on my wishlist for this item is for the different plugs to be able to be attached to the adapter body somehow, because as it is I could definitely see it being very easy to lose them.

I bought 2 of these to be on the safe side since my husband's Android Tablet is constantly running out of a charge. I was hoping that the interchangeable plugs was going to be of better quality. 1) When I first put the adapter piece I needed, I couldn't tell which way I needed to put the adapter in. There wasn't a + or - so it was definitely a guessing game. 2) I had to guess which setting to put it on and it took me 5 minutes of playing with the dial on the device to get to the right voltage. 3) If you so much as bump the dial or something shifts the plug, the dial turns and it won't charge correctly or at all. 4) It overheats like crazy. I have to be very careful when unplugging the A/C adapter because it gets extremely hot.Other than those 4 things that I have problems with, the power supply does charge, does do it's job and I'm overall satisfied. I just wish it wouldn't overheat and the dial would stay in place better.

The description of the Hosa Cable ACD477 Universal AC Power Supply on Amazon, refers to a Wattage of 7.5wats. Is this Input, Output or just incorrect?From feedback received for the ACD477, it can supply up to 1200ma (or 1.2a) at 12v.Simple calculation P = VI = 12v x 1.2a = 14.4 watts.So 7.5 watts can't be output power; if it's input power 7.5watts/14.4watts = 0.52x100% = 52% efficiency - not great.So is 7.5 watts even correct?