How/where can I track down a power supply from the last century?

May 10, 2008 3:00 PM

Where can I get hold of a power supply for an old - pre-USB - Mustek 600 UC scanner?

My neighbours asked for my help with getting their (inherited) scanner to work. I've identified the problem - they didn't inherit the power supply for the scanner.

Given that the computer is a pre-USB Windows 98 model, getting a replacement scanner might be tricky and I get the impression that getting a new PC's not an option.

Is there any chance that I could find either a "proper" replacement power supply or the specs for a generic replacement?

posted by Lionel d'Lion to computers & internet (10 comments total)

Have you already checked that there's no label on the scanner that indicates voltage and amperage? Is there at least a model number (or serial number)?
posted by winston at 3:37 PM on May 10

Radioshack perhaps. Special order, if not in store.
posted by CwgrlUp at 4:01 PM on May 10

Find out the voltage and amperage and plug type, and I give it a 90% chance you can find a matching transformer in someone's junk box or at a yard sale.
posted by zippy at 4:15 PM on May 10 [1 favorite]

you can buy some universal power supplies, that have adjustable voltage and changeable tips
posted by Mr_Chips at 4:24 PM on May 10 [1 favorite]

You need something like THIS
posted by Mr_Chips at 4:33 PM on May 10

Do you have any local computer recycling stores? I just picked up an old HP USB scanjet 4300C that is a super nice scanner. Nothing is quite as attrocious as a parallel port scanner. They had quite a few reasonably nice scanners for $25/ea.

I think I had a Mustek 600 once... I cringe thinking about it.
posted by SirStan at 4:55 PM on May 10

how does $1 sound for the whole shooting match
posted by Mr_Chips at 5:29 PM on May 10

I think I had a Mustek 600 once... I cringe thinking about it.

Me too.

Yeah, just echoing other people's suggestions about buying a universal adapter. Radio Shack sells the switchable kind which come with just about every adapter imaginable. You may be able to find one cheaper elsewhere... Wal-Mart, etc. Even home improvement stores might have such a thing.
posted by wfrgms at 7:01 PM on May 10

"Dear Seller, would you mind trashing the scanner and the parallel cable, and mailing me the power adapter?"
posted by SirStan at 7:02 PM on May 10

Thanks, MeFites.
posted by Lionel d'Lion at 8:18 AM on May 11