Keep in mind, the only function of this adapter is to limit the output to 5v when you apply power (power, not ground. ground doesn't work with this). If you're not applying power to anything, and you shouldn't unless you know exactly what the circuit is, you don't need this adapter. Certainly you don't want to apply 12 where 5 is called for but then you also don't want to apply 5 where 12 is called for. This adapter is also supposed to limit the amperage but there are no instructions or manual with this and no mention of the amp limit on the packaging. If you have another power source, like a variable power supply, and you can set the voltage and limit the amperage then that might be a better alternative. Right now I'm thinking this was a waste of money because I do have a variable power supply and using this adapter is not all that straightforward as I explain below. That's the reason for my low rating because I don't want to spend more time learning to use a tool than the time I'm supposed to be saving using the tool.
So how do you know if this is working or not? How do you know that the output has been reduced to 5v? Well, you don't unless you use a dvom. When you apply power, the PP doesn't know about the probe attached so it reads 12v on the display, not 5v. Personally, before using, it seems prudent to check and make sure you're outputting 5v, not 12v but I can't think of any way to do that except with a dvom. It can be done but it's kind of awkward with just two hands and the normal test leads because you have to attach the leads and hold the switch down for power. Jumpers help but seems kind of tedious that every time you want to use this, you have to go find a dvom and jumpers. Sure you could just go by their word but I'm not, especially since their customer support won't respond to any of my questions regarding the PP. There's another issue too. This adapter won't work unless you also ground it with the ground aux cable on the PP. First time I attached the cable, the PP went off with the ground tone. Okay, so if you're using this adapter, turn the speaker off otherwise you'll end up taking a hammer to your head or the adapter. When you have it properly grounded and apply power, a red led should light on the adapter and the PP. If you don't see the red led light on the adapter it means there's a problem with the banana connector, and/or the ground connector. Remember, it's the led on the adapter, not the PP you want to watch! I don't know if I got a bad unit or not but just having the banana connector in, and the ground connector clipped doesn't mean it works. I had to play around with this quite a bit before I could get a steady light. The led lights up, then I go to move the PP to test and the red led goes off, or flickers. Holding down the aux ground wire to the case of the PP and testing it out before I touch anything was the only way I got this to work consistently but there seems to be also issues with the banana connector, so you may need to adjust that as well. Before touching anything with the tip, you want to apply power first and make sure you have a steady light. Don't just touch the tip to a sensor and apply power. Anyway, another issue is that they only provide a small metal tab on the adapter for the ground and you want to make sure there's no possibility of the aux ground cable breaking this tab so use a rubber band or something to attach the cable to the case of the PP. Note too, when the led is OFF on the adapter, I read a small voltage on the tip, not 5v and not 0v. How much of an issue this is I don't know. I'd recommend if you buy the adapter, test it out right away on your own and decide.
| Manufacturer | Power Probe |
|---|---|
| Brand | Power Probe |
| Product Dimensions | 2.01 x 10.01 x 16 cm; 31.75 Grams |
| Item Model Number | PPT5VA |
| Manufacturer Part Number | PPT5VA |
| Cover Included | 5 Volt Adapter Unit |
| Item Weight | 31.8 g |
