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

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

Lionel d'Lion — Sat, 10 May 2008 15:00:08 -0800

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?

By: winston

winston — Sat, 10 May 2008 15:37:31 -0800

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)?

By: CwgrlUp

CwgrlUp — Sat, 10 May 2008 16:01:55 -0800

Radioshack perhaps. Special order, if not in store.

By: zippy

zippy — Sat, 10 May 2008 16:15:59 -0800

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.

By: Mr_Chips

Mr_Chips — Sat, 10 May 2008 16:24:57 -0800

you can buy some universal power supplies, that have adjustable voltage and changeable tips

By: Mr_Chips

Mr_Chips — Sat, 10 May 2008 16:33:17 -0800

You need something like THIS

By: SirStan

SirStan — Sat, 10 May 2008 16:55:12 -0800

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.

By: Mr_Chips

Mr_Chips — Sat, 10 May 2008 17:29:09 -0800

how does $1 sound for the whole shooting match

By: wfrgms

wfrgms — Sat, 10 May 2008 19:01:33 -0800

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.

By: SirStan

SirStan — Sat, 10 May 2008 19:02:14 -0800

"Dear Seller, would you mind trashing the scanner and the parallel cable, and mailing me the power adapter?"

By: Lionel d'Lion

Lionel d'Lion — Sun, 11 May 2008 08:18:59 -0800

Thanks, MeFites.