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Subject: Re: "dangerous" 18v
From: Robert Preston
Reply To: mapug@shore.net
Date: Sun Jul 07 22:38:20 1996

>1. Is the newest version of the 120v-18v converter still dangerous?
>It'll be simple to see if it's putting out 18v or 20v, but this seems
>like an easy problem for Meade to have fixed long ago.

The 120VAC/18VDC converter has never been proven to be dangerous. A number
of us have voiced the opinion that use of 18V (or higher) might be one
contributing factor in some drive failures, for reasons that are
scattered through the archives. If it were an obvious problem, yes, Meade
would likely attend to it. If it is not an obvious problem, but merely
a potential contributing factor in some drive failures, Meade is not likely to
touch it, even with a ten meter pole. Nor would I, if I were Meade.
But as an individual, I prefer to reduce my risk as far as possible, which
means I operate at 15V, not 18-20, even without any proof that 18-20V is too
high in some cases. My scope is past warranty, however - I used Meade's
recommended 18V as long as it was covered by the warranty.

Rob Preston
Pittsburgh PA
rapr@med.pitt.edu