TARGUS UNIVERSAL AC ADAPTER
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Updated 06/27/01

This document contains information on the part numbers listed below

(US) PA140U, PA160, PA170, PA180, PA190

(Europe)  PA141E, PA142E, PA171E, PA172E

·        What is it

·        Features and Specifications

·        What is the difference between this and the PA150U?

·        What is a PowerTip?

·        Compatibility Chart for Notebook Computers, Mobile Phones and Handheld computers

·        Power Tips - The tip for my notebook computer was not in the package.  How do I get a tip for my computer?

·        Power Tips -   Can I use any  Power Tip that fits my computer?

·        Power Tips -  Can I use the power tip from my other Universal Adapters?

·        Plugs - Why do I need to use different plugs when I travel?

·        Plugs - Can I use the plugs from my PA150 Universal AC Adapter with my PA140U?

·        I have an AC Adapter - How do I tell if my adapter is a 35 watt or 70 watt?

·        What are the Power Tip Voltages?

·        How to Plug in

·        Battery Charging

·        Heat Concerns

·        Support for additional devices

·        Technical Support

 

 

Q. Universal AC Adapter. What is a Universal AC adapter and how does it work?

A. The Universal AC Adapter functions as a programmable device to supply the proper power to various notebook computers, mobile phones and handheld computers.

The Universal AC Adapter comes packaged with individual tips to use for specific notebook computers.  Once you select the correct tip from the Tip Selection Guide  you connect it to the Universal Cable and you are ready to go.  

The adapter is also unique in its size and weight making it easy to carry in your notebook carrying case.  

Optional tip kits are also available for many popular models of mobile phones and handheld computers.   For a complete list of supported products,  visit our web site at www.targus.com.

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 Q. Features and Specifications. What are the Universal AC adapter specifications?

A. Specifications:

Wattage

70 watts continuous

75 watts maximum

Weight  - AC Unit only:

Travel Weight w/plug and cables

4.5 ounces 

7.5 ounces

Size

5.2 x 2.8 x 0.44 inches

Environmental conditions 

0 to 40 ° C  or  32° –104° F operating

Input voltage:

     AC Unit 

95-250 volts AC

     US Plug

90-110

     Euro Plug

210-240

Frequency

50-60 Hz

Output Voltage

Programmable, based on PowerTip

International Regulatory Compliance

Class B Part 15 of the FCC rules

Underwriters Laboratories (UL)

CSA (Canada)

CE (Europe)

Over voltage Protection

19-21 VDC

Universal Cable Length

10 feet

Warranty

1 year from date of purchase

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Q. What is the difference between this and the PA150U?

A. The models listed above can  supply up to 70 watts of power, instead of the 35 watts supplied by the PA150U.  This makes it compatible with even more models of notebook computers.  Please see the Notebook Power Tip Compatibility Chart to determine the exact models supported and to determine what tip to use. 

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Q. Compatibility Chart. What notebooks are compatible with the Universal AC adapter?

A. Use the tip selection Guide to determine which tip to use with your notebook.  New models are added frequently to our list of supported devices.  Check our web site (http://www.targus.com) for the latest list of compatible notebooks, mobile phones and handheld computers.

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Q. PowerTips. What is a PowerTip?

A. The PowerTip is the end that will plug into your supported device.  It is customized by not only connector type and size, but also by circuitry inside the tip itself to control polarity, voltage output and current limits.  

The removable power tips  allow you to use the Universal AC Adapter  to power many different devices.  Imagine the weight and space you save by carrying one slim, lightweight adapter with three tips to power your computer, mobile phone & handheld computer!

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Q. Power Tips -The tip for my notebook computer was not in the package.  How do I get the correct tip?

A. If your computer model is listed on our Notebook Power Tip Compatibility chart, but was not included in  your package, we will send you one tip for free.  Please contact our Customer Service (877) 4 Targus or customersupport@targus.com to get your tip.  Be sure to include your mailing address and the make and model number of your computer.

Tips for mobile phones and handheld computers are available as options.  These can be purchased online from www.port.com or 800-950-5122.  Please see the Mobile Phone and Handheld Computer Power Tip Compatibility chart for specific models supported.

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Q. Power Tips -  Can I use any Power Tip that fits my computer?

A. No.  The Power Tips are customized  by not only connector type and size, but by adding circuitry inside the tip itself to control polarity, voltage output and current limits.  Power Tips are designed and tested for specific computer models and should not be used on any devices that are not listed as compatible. 

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Q. Power Tips -  Can I use the Power Tip from my other Universal Adapter?

A. The Power Tips from  the Universal AC Adapter PA150U, and the Universal Air/Auto Adapter PA350U and PA375U are all compatible with your Targus 70W AC Adapter

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Q. Plugs - Why do I need to carry different plugs when I travel?

A. The plugs for the Universal AC Adapter are customized for use in either 110 or 220 environments.  You need to use the plug that is designated for the environment that you are in (i.e. two pronged US plug in 110 & European plug in 220).  Mechanical plug adapters will not work and should  not be used.  A coupon is included with adapters sold in the US  for a free European plug.  Be sure to send it in if you plan on traveling with your adapter.

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 Q. Plugs - Can I use the plug that came with my PA150U with my Targus 70W AC Adapter.

A. The right angle plugs for the Targus 70W AC Adapter  are different from the PA150 and are not interchangeable.  

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Q. I have an AC Adapter - How do I tell if I have a PA150U or a Targus 70W AC Adapter?

A. There is a sticker on the bottom of the adapter with the model number on it.  The PA150 will say "PA150", and the Targus 70W AC Adapter will say "Model-PA-AC-70W".  

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Q. Voltages. What are the voltages of the PowerTips?

A. The PowerTips are customized for different each supported device.  The  voltage output, current limits, and connector size vary for each notebook manufacturer and model.

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 Q. Connecting. How do I connect all the pieces together?

A. Follow these steps:

1.       Attach the correct tip to your Universal cable. (Please Note: the PowerTip and universal cable are designed so that the PowerTip can only be attached one way)

2.       Attach the cable to the Universal AC Adapter.

3.       Attach the appropriate plug  to the Universal AC Adapter.  In the US or other countries that use 110, use the two pronged US plug.  In countries that use 220 volts, use the European plug.

4.        Plug the tip into the AC port of your notebook and plug the adapter into a wall outlet. 

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Q. Battery Charging. Why when the battery runs out, does the AC adapter not start charging right away?

A. If your battery is completely discharged, the AC adapter may not begin to charge immediately.  Leave the AC adapter connected, wait 20 minutes and check to see whether the battery is charging.  If the battery light is glowing after 20 minutes, allow the computer to charge for another 20 minutes before you turn the computer on. The make and model of you computer will determine the amount of charging time.

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Q. Heat Concerns. The Adapter gets warm, should I be concerned?

A. Although the Targus 70W AC Adapter generates less heat than the PA150U, it will still get warm during usage.   Like the PA150U, the Targus 70W AC Adapter has been rigorously tested for safety.  Grooves in the enclosure top and bottom are provided for heat dissipation.  The  right-angled plug is designed to ensure air flow around the adapter.  As with any electrical  device, you should not  block air flow to the adapter.  

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Q. Support for additional devices. Are there plans to support additional devices  with other Power Tips?

A. Targus is continually working on new tips to support additional notebook computers, mobile phones and handheld computers.  We will be adding Power Tips as they become available.  Check our web site (http://www.targus.com) for the latest list of compatible devices.

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Q. Technical Support.   How do I get further assistance with my Targus Universal AC Adapter?

         A. If after reading the FAQ information you need additional assistance:

Technical Support can be reached at www.targus.com/support or email: TechSupport@targus.com. 

Or by phone at  one of the numbers below:

North America:  8:00am to 6:00pm EST     1-(800) 283-6325 

 Europe: Monday through Friday, 8 AM (08: 00) to 6 PM  (18: 00) C. E. T.

Belgium + 32( 0) 02- 717- 2451

Denmark + 45( 0) 35- 25- 8751

France + 33( 0) 1- 64- 53- 9151

Germany + 49( 0) 21- 16- 579- 1151

Italy + 39( 0) 24- 827- 1151

Netherlands + 31( 0) 53- 484- 9470

Spain + 34( 0) 91- 745- 6221

Sweden + 46( 0) 8- 751- 4058

Switzerland + 41( 0) 1- 212- 0007

UK + 44( 0) 20- 7744- 0330

Eastern Europe and Others + 31( 0) 53- 484- 9479

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