I'm packing up for a move and ran into a passle of wall-wart xfmrs left over from who-knows-what devices that I no longer use or that aren't still in my possession. Each with an endless array of connector types, polarities, voltages, ccurrent, AC/DC, etc.

Why can't manufacturers standardize these things? Or, better yet, put 120-V line cords on their devices, and incorporate a power supply in the device itself? Most DC wall-warts are unregulated and pretty much worthless for powering any self-respecting hobbiest's home-brew project.

Don't even get me started on all the weirdo connectors for computer devices and cell-phones.
Doug

Doug,
OK, I'll start for you. My biggest complaint is the jumble of minature, multi-pin plugs/jacks etc, and most all from Asain mfrs, where 99% of today's electronics are built. If they need a 5 1/2 pin connector, they build it. Can I buy one? No. Is it available from connector mfrs? No. Does it have a part number or cross-reference? No, but the entire assembly to which it is attached is available, and grossly overpriced. It all started years ago in Detroit with unibody construction and in Tokoyo with transistor radios. Thats why I like old radios. I can see the parts without a microscope and actually repair them without a robotic assembly line. Need I say more?

marv

:I'm packing up for a move and ran into a passle of wall-wart xfmrs left over from who-knows-what devices that I no longer use or that aren't still in my possession. Each with an endless array of connector types, polarities, voltages, ccurrent, AC/DC, etc.
:
:Why can't manufacturers standardize these things? Or, better yet, put 120-V line cords on their devices, and incorporate a power supply in the device itself? Most DC wall-warts are unregulated and pretty much worthless for powering any self-respecting hobbiest's home-brew project.
:
:Don't even get me started on all the weirdo connectors for computer devices and cell-phones.
:Doug

Reasons I beleive Wall-Warts are not standardized:

1) Voltages: Different devices need different voltages and current ratings. Most Wall-Warts are used either to power battery powered devices, or power low power transistor or chip powered devices.

2) As for the connectors, I beleive some companies don't want the adapter from one device to power another companies device. I also beleive that some connectors may handle higher power ratings than others.

:I'm packing up for a move and ran into a passle of wall-wart xfmrs left over from who-knows-what devices that I no longer use or that aren't still in my possession. Each with an endless array of connector types, polarities, voltages, ccurrent, AC/DC, etc.
:
:Why can't manufacturers standardize these things? Or, better yet, put 120-V line cords on their devices, and incorporate a power supply in the device itself? Most DC wall-warts are unregulated and pretty much worthless for powering any self-respecting hobbiest's home-brew project.
:
:Don't even get me started on all the weirdo connectors for computer devices and cell-phones.
:Doug

There does seem to be some degree of standardization because each voltage has a specific diameter output jack so that one output of say 12v cannot fit into a device needing 9v.
I am not exactly sure but each does seem to have a different size.

The least manufacturers could do is to put a label on the wall-wart identifying what device it was supplied with. Typically, the wall-wart is a different brand than the device it comes with.
Doug

That is not true, actually. I know Radio Shack sells adaptaplugs in which an adaptor can power devices with many jacks. Also, I have seen different sizes of jack that were the same voltage before!

:There does seem to be some degree of standardization because each voltage has a specific diameter output jack so that one output of say 12v cannot fit into a device needing 9v.
:I am not exactly sure but each does seem to have a different size.

:That is not true, actually. I know Radio Shack sells adaptaplugs in which an adaptor can power devices with many jacks. Also, I have seen different sizes of jack that were the same voltage before!
:
:
:
Usually if you see a wall-wart with multiple jacks ..it means that each jack is for a different voltage and the wall-wart will also have a switch on the body to set the voltage from 6v, 9v, 12v etc.
Which ever voltage out setting you select ...that is the jack you should use.

Hi, Stephen. I have just pulled out my 2-dozen wall-warts from the trash, and shipped them to you COD! ;>)
Doug

:That is not true, actually. I know Radio Shack sells adaptaplugs in which an adaptor can power devices with many jacks. Also, I have seen different sizes of jack that were the same voltage before!
:
:
::There does seem to be some degree of standardization because each voltage has a specific diameter output jack so that one output of say 12v cannot fit into a device needing 9v.
::I am not exactly sure but each does seem to have a different size.

I have a lot of wall warts too. The wall wart I had for a Sprint phone put out 5v. I used a PowerLine car adapter on the 4.5 setting and the phone worked and charged ok. The PowerLine comes with lots tips. I even made longer cables, hard wired some, used connectors from old stereos for the cameras. Now my new cell has different connector but I did buy car adapter for that one. I've used rechargable lead batteries from alarm systems for a video camera when I was going to grandkids games more. Only about a couple times did a wall wart go bad on me. I replaced one for a cordless phone with one running about 1v higher, works fine. Got some odd ball AC values too. But I got more than I will ever use.
Bill VA

:Hi, Stephen. I have just pulled out my 2-dozen wall-warts from the trash, and shipped them to you COD! ;>)
:Doug
:
::That is not true, actually. I know Radio Shack sells adaptaplugs in which an adaptor can power devices with many jacks. Also, I have seen different sizes of jack that were the same voltage before!
::
::
:::There does seem to be some degree of standardization because each voltage has a specific diameter output jack so that one output of say 12v cannot fit into a device needing 9v.
:::I am not exactly sure but each does seem to have a different size.