PRO-23 (200-0504) Using Other Power Sources Faxback Doc. # 6492 IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE EXTERNAL POWER JACKS The scanner has two external power jacks - POWER and CHARGE. It is important that you understand the purpose of each jack before you connect any adapter to the scanner. The POWER jack powers the scanner and disconnects the internal batteries. You can use this jack with an external power source (AC or DC adapter) regardless of the type of batteries you install. The CHARGE jack supplies power to operate the scanner and also charges the internal batteries. Use the CHARGE jack only when you install rechargeable nickel-cadmium batteries. Warning: Never use the CHARGE jack with non-rechargeable batteries. If you try to recharge non-rechargeable batteries, they become very hot and could explode. USING AN AC POWER SOURCE To power the scanner from AC power, you need an AC adapter such as Radio Shack Cat. No. 20-188. Plug the adapter's barrel plug into the scanner's POWER jack. Then plug the adapter's power module into a standard AC outlet. Caution: You must use an AC adapter that supplies 9 volts and delivers at least 300 milliamps. Its center tip must be set to negative, and its plug must correctly fit the scanner's DC 9V jack. The recommended adapter meets these specifications. Using an adapter that does not meet the specifications could seriously damage the scanner or the adapter. When you finish using the AC adapter, disconnect it from the AC outlet first. Then disconnect it from the scanner. Note: If you have installed rechargeable nickel-cadmium batteries in the scanner, you can connect the AC adapter to the CHARGE jack. This powers the scanner and recharges the batteries at the same time See "Charging Nickel-Cadmium Batteries." USING A DC ADAPTER Note: Mobile use of a scanner may be unlawful or require a permit in some areas. Check the laws in your area. You can power the scanner from your vehicle's battery power, provided the vehicle has a 12-volt, negative ground electrical system. To do so, you need a Radio Shack DC Universal Adapter, Cat. No. 270-1560A. Cautions: You must use a DC adapter that supplies (regulated 9-volt power and delivers at least 300 milliamps. Its center tip must be set to negative, and its plug must correctly fit the scanner's DC 9-volt jack. Using an adapter that does not meet these specifications could seriously damage your scanner or the adapter. To protect your vehicle's electrical system, always plug the adapter into the scanner before you plug it into your vehicle's cigarette-lighter socket. Always unplug the adapter from the vehicle's cigarette-lighter socket before you unplug it from the scanner. 1. Connect the DC adapter's orange barrel-plug to the adapter's cable, with the tip set to - (negative). 2. Set the adapters voltage switch to 9V. 3. Insert the barrel plug into the scanner's DC 9V POWER jack. 4. Plug the other end of the adapter into your vehicle's cigarette- lighter socket. When you finish using the DC adapter, disconnect it from the cigarette- lighter first. Then disconnect it from the scanner. Note: If the scanner does not operate properly when you use a DC adapter, unplug the adapter from the lighter socket and clean the socket to remove ashes and other debris. CHARGING NICKEL-CADMIUM BATTERIES The scanner has a built-in charging circuit that lets you recharge nickel-cadmium batteries while they are in the scanner. To charge the batteries, simply connect an AC adapter or a DC Universal Adapter to the scanner's CHARGE jack. Warning: Do not connect either adapter to the scanner's CHARGE jack if you have installed non-rechargeable batteries (standard, extra-life, or alkaline). Non-rechargeable batteries become hot and can even explode if you try to recharge them. It takes about 16 to 18 hours to recharge batteries that are fully discharged. You can operate the scanner while recharging nickel-cadmium batteries, but the charging time is lengthened. At the end of a rechargeable battery's useful life, it must be recycled or disposed of properly. Contact your local, county, or state hazardous waste management authorities for information on recycling or disposal programs in your area. Some options that might be available are: municipal curb-side collection, drop-off boxes at retailers, recycling collection centers, and mail-back programs. Note: Nickel-cadmium batteries last longer and deliver more power if you occasionally let them fully discharge. To do this, simply use the scanner until the low battery indicator appears on the display. Then fully charge the batteries. (BR/smc-05/16/94)