Label them? If you have some idea of what they are used for, use either a white paint marker (assuming most cords are black) or tape which you can just write on. Could also just label bags or ziplock bags or bins with Volts or Wats or by size, make, etc. Newer electronics (as far as I know) are fine if its off by a few watts, they either won't work or will limit intake. Older stuff might not but older stuff wouldn't fit the newer plugs anyway?
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Yeah i will label them a next time, i thought maybe i had like a handful, and i knew where they were for, but when i moved i actually found a small crate where most are not really identifiable.
Will it always limit the intake, won't it ever overuse it's power (and blow up)?
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Unlikely it would cause problems. However if it's older and does not have something to limit, it's possible it will get too much power and fry the circuits. I wouldn't worry too much since like I said, newer plugs and such most of the time won't fit older units? Standard PC power plugs do, since they have been the same for a long time but I think even those only draw as much as the unit pulls? Most of the time a cord only gives as much as the unit asks. The ones that have the little box/converter on them though, I know less about.
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Thanks.
I am not much worried about the older console stuff, mostly they are labeled nintendo or sega (unless for example i put it in the wrong nintendo/sega console but i doubt that would give much issues) i found atleast gamecube saying gamecube.
It's the table tops, the cheap 14000 roms on a device things, and even some adapters i probably will never know anymore what the origin was (or that i even still have those machines), like i threw away a faulty dvd player, perhaps one of those adapters was for that and i didn't throw that away.
If only manufactures could just label them properly themselves. :x
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A device will always only use the power it needs. It doesn't matter if the adapter can provide more. The problem is the opposite: if the device can use more power than the adapter can provide. In that scenario the adapter will heat up and blow up, potentially even causing a fire.
With voltage it's the opposite: they must match, and if they don't it's the device what gets damaged.
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I agree. If you can, zip lock bags are wonderful for this sort of thing. What you can easily identify, put it in a zip lock bag and label it - the bag will give a lot of space for label/description. Hopefully this will reduce the size of "the pile" significantly and you can then more easily wade thru it again. Sorting adapters that you cannot identify by volts/watts is a great idea as well.
30+ computers... If you had a large enough place with a large room to use as your lab, this would be fine. Any normal sized home however... I suggest you need to make the painful decision to eliminate most of those. Personally now that I am getting older (sigh), I have had to admit to myself that so many of the projects that I was going to undertake... I will never even begin. And so I have been eliminating pet projects that have been collecting dust for years, decades even. At the same time it is sad for me, but at the same time it is somewhat liberating - a freedom given back to my life! Perhaps you can find a school that would be happy to have some equipment. In my case, it would be more likely that only a museum would be interested in much of the equipment that I had/have stored! :)
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I don't think many kids are really interested in really old retro, why they aren't selling well on steam.
We got one museum but they are already massive and probably already have what i got, and then some, aside from the original consoles, i also have all the mini versions.
Yeah one day i was hoping to get a house, with a gaming room, and at my parents place there was more room, here it's even smaller and everything is stacked in crates at the wall for the time being (i can get some stuff under my bed but most likely not even all). Nor indeed will i probably ever play them, i always promise myself to give the others a go too, but you feel yourself stuck to your steam account especially with so many games, or my pc is even good enough to emulate switch games. I still try to keep that hope though on that house (but with the current economy, my life, it would take a miracle).
I got a C64 maxi (with a box full of books) i was going to learn basic with my dad (he was about to but then passed away), never gotten around to it..
I even got one of these (also unused) but they pack a whole bunch of computers in one: https://ultimatemister.com/product/ultimate-mister-pro/
If i ever would get rid of everything, why not be better off selling everything, i am sure it will be an easy 1500 minimum.
With evercade: https://evercade.co.uk/, i got almost my 50th cartridge, 20 euro per cartridge that makes it 1000 euro on games alone.
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That's a lot of inventory my friend. Each person need to make their personal decision for what truly will make them happy. From the outside looking in and with very little knowledge of what is going on it your life, I'd recommend selling what you can sell. It's probable that you will never really miss it, that you will appreciate seeing your house uncluttered and you can focus on the games that you actually will play.
On a more personal note, I am sorry that you never got to enjoy spending time with your father - in this case learning Basic. My own father passed away a number of years ago and I have always lamented not having been able to spend more time with him. I miss him still.
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It depends whenever i get closets, drawers under my bed (but can't until i got curtains) a clothing wardrobe, perhaps a tv cabinet with some space to put away things.But i need volunteers and money that will hopefull kick in soon.
Yeah, that FPGA thing also was about 650 euro or so i think, right before i was about to move, some decisions weren't perhaps even smart back then financially, but every time i was like this is the last one you know and then something new always came up again.
But no new mini's are announced (maybe 1 sega) so i am done with consoles, only thing i want to keep going are those evercade cartridges, i mean if you already started why not keep continueing a complete set, thing is they used to release a cartridge ever 3 months or so? And now each week, you do feel that in your wallet. :p
One of the table tops was also 700 euro? My dad was always like check before you pay, but he was in a rush, so i went on good fate, after he left, i turned on the screen and a dead pixel right in the center, i called him, he said he would try to fix it, then he just kept ignoring me.
So now i have to find this weird screen somewhere perhaps from china which would be about 200 euro.
Well there is a saying (or even cultures) that are saying a uncluttered home is a happy home (not that it's hoarding style like stuff is everywhere on the floors, and stacked in crates against a wall but still. I know your point, and perhaps you are right, but when my dad was alive, for over a year each month i borroeed money from him, paid him back, then i saw a new computer (especially those mini's) and i asked to borrow money again and it went like that for every month for over a year, until he passed away, and my mom said the debt i owed him to forget about it.
And with how my life turned out, from 15 to when i got wellfare (very late due reasons) i never could have treated myself, and always had to rely on my dad (which was hard), with a temp job and then wellfare i had and a nice tax return i could go from a pc with a geforce 430 to one with a i8700k and 2080ti gpu, and i always compare it with woman shopping for shoes or clothes to make them feel happy.
That might have been with me with consoles or even games still (i am not finding many retro/point and click the last 2-3 months. You made some many investments too (time, energy, money) and sometimes you might not even get back what you paid for.
Thank you, we started with a Vectrex, and then got a C64, my dad knew basic then, so he knows the language but it has been a few decades for him since he last used it, and then you had those newspapers with a page full of code you could type over to produce a game, fun times.
Yeah my dad was of such a generation, you know that couldn't say i love you kid, because he was raised like that (financially, driving he never complained) only when we had a few drinks and watched some music at night, he said i know i rarely say it but you know i love you right? But also had a job that he had to wake up 5:30/6:00 and then when he came home he took naps on the couch, and then dinner and it would have been my bedtime.
The whole family dynamic was also twisted in the end, my niece (who is mentally a few years behind and has issues like she smashed over 10 glasses) but she was my dad's girl, and my mom and me didn't always agree with how she never got punished and all, so in the end it was always them versus us, and regretfully it even resorted to some scuffles, where one time i pushed him and he fell (and i so regret those moments).
i always thought eventually i will move elsewhere, and we can make it all up, but yeah then 3 years ago he suddenly died of a shortness of breath (maybe partially cause of a inherited heart disease i also have and they can't predict the future)...
But my mom then suddenly got a stroke, why i became very hesitant about getting boosters (i never did), i made a thread about it back then and offcourse turned into controversy.
Sorry about your dad (and the long text), but it's good we are still remembering them, it's when you forget then it's not good, but i don't think that will happen to us.
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You have had more than your share of hard experiences in your life. 😥
But you seem to be sorting through all that and putting things into a proper place where you can be and peace and find happiness. In the end, that is the most important thing of all. Be well, my fiend.
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I been bullied 8 years in elementary school, got germphobia for school when i was 15 and dropped out (did homeschooling though), which pretty much ruined any career or keep friends (i had some female friendships but it watered down), then i got cardiomyopathy (my heart has to work harder then the average person and the future is unclear) plus diabetes type 2, which on itself is a not a great combination either.
Let alone have luck in relationships, yeah i had more then my share, but i am not complaining, there are many that still have it worse, but up until the move i kept the fate, even had this strong feeling i would win something nice in the lottery some day (not know what, when, how much), and i am sometimes right with those feelings, but now i am like if that were to happen, why all this moving out here first?
Or something more realistic, just come across a girl, go out, do fun stuff, but at my age many are already taken and you usually can't tell by their forehead, and on many dating sites so many men and so few women, if only i knew i would still meet someone, have a kid, then i could manage, that's what i struggle with now, what if this is it for the rest of my life? But there are no guarantees in life.
Maybe that buddy system will help out magically there, but i rather not go to a pub (let alone pay 4 euro for a beer) but i vowed to myself and for Bowy to quit alcohol, and i think going to such places is just tempting it.
I also thought about volunteer work, but then i am like what? But maybe the food bank, but it's always a commitment, like if you have a day you aren't in the mood you still have to go, and usually i am not a person of commitments, i don't like to be tied down why i dont ever wear watches, have a big wallet/phone in my pocket, if i do groceries it's just my bank card (not even my ID which if i ever get caught, risk a fine).
In short, i know what i want, where i want to go, but you just don't always have life or control in your own hands, especially with love and such.
Thank you, you be well too.
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I spend a lot of time alone. I actually do it by choice. But everyone, myself included, needs to get out now and then. I hope there is something that you would enjoy which you can find to get out some. It is sad that the soup kitchen requires a commitment. I am accustomed to such things happily accepting volunteers who come whenever they can - no commitment needed. I don't know if you like board games or cards or such things, but if you do perhaps you can find a place where people gather for those. If not, perhaps YOU could be the catalyst to start something. I know that wouldn't be easy, but if there were a public place with free entry and tables and chairs, you are a good bit of the way there! :)
But wherever and for whatever, find something that gets you out of the house and mingling with others in person (and not only via the ether as you share your kindness with us here at SG). :)
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Oh, i do really appreciate my alone time too, i mean perhaps that's maybe partially also a reason why Bowy the cat in the end didn't work out, maybe i am bad in a relationship too (i wouldn't know) some said get a living apart relationship (that way you can also keep certain benefits).
And there is this cute (single?) neighbour but we hardly talk, nor do i know she's really interested the 2 times we talked she was very rushed, although she did inquire me about Bowy back then (but would been ideal offcourse, having a girlfriend practically living next door, want company? Just ring the door and afterwards you go back to your own space again).
Yes, there is a board club actually and i thought about that but then corona came, the thing is now compared to my old house, if i have to go to town, there is this high school in the way (sometimes in the past i went by it, sometimes i avoid it) so i have to bike all the way around it, and well i don't know, but i think that could be 20-30 minutes of biking? And it's weekly i believe till 23:00, or 1x a month in the weekend.
Well the company that rents us, made a "party" from 16:00 (while most were working) to 18:30, supposedly getting to know eachother, but offcourse as with every party, you get this group forming, so those who knew eachother seek eachother, and those alone, they won't bother talking to you, i met this man who is in a burnout for 7 years, i tried a conversation with him, but he was very distant.
Butt i thought about a BBQ, but if it's gonna be the same thing like that, it's not worth it.
And so much happened to me since i moved, but especially the last 2 months, especially when you feel your house been intruded by various insects constantly, i am finally hoping to get into a rest phase where i have my house back, get some mental rest, i am not in any position to create something.
Actually in the first two months i sometimes biked 5 times a day (my mom said i have this and that for you and later the cat, then i still had to bike to the grocery store 1-2 times, or 2-3 times i locked myself out (my mom has spare keys) and had to walk 5km (you learn to always check your pockets before closing the door), i was used to no exercize but i biked/walked like 200km i think in those first 2 months, but now i don't think i can for the time being, just too much happened and i need to find rest again first.
I gave these nootropic capsules a chance (increased brain activity, help with anxiety, better sleep, i took 3 the first time (4 is max) i still woke up at 7:30 (and for me that's early actually).
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Yeah, it's an idea. Put them in boxes, and they are easy to classify. But honestly, half of them you won't ever use them
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If they are not labeled with a name, most electronics will be labeled on the device with small text where you plug in the power connector how many volts and amps it needs.
This is important. When using barrel plugs, there is a center and and outside contact. The positive and negative contacts are not always the same. Some plugs will have the center be positive and others will be negative. Look for a picture on the device like I attached below that will label positive and negative.
After that, the most important thing is the voltage. Make sure to use the same voltage that is labeled on the device. I would not risk using a plug that is not the exact voltage. The amperage doesn't matter as long as the power plug can supply at least as much as the device requires. The device will draw however much it needs, the power plug it just labeled with the maximum that it can supply.
As long as the polarity is correct, the voltage is the same, the plug can supply at least the rated power the device is labeled for, and the plug is the correct size, you should be able to use it. With barrel plugs, just because it goes in the hole doesn't mean it is correct. There is the outside diameter and also the center hole size. The outside diameter could be a good fit, but the pin that slides into the center hole could be too small and not make good contact which I would image could cause arcing or the device to shut off if the plug is moved.
You may also be able to find some kind of identification number on the power plug and type that in online to get an idea. Or look up images of the product and try to find a picture of the power plug it comes with so that you know what it looks like. If it is an old product, you might find used ones for sale with pictures, or if it's newer, you might find unboxing videos.
If you can't find a power plug for a device, you can buy a universal plug that you can change the voltage and it comes with a bunch of different tips to match the device. You just need to make sure the power plug is rated to supply enough amps for the device.
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Thank you.
Yeah, i had such a device that you are talking about, don't know where it went, probably in one of the moving boxes, but perhaps my dad asked it back at one point, been ages.
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Thank you for the wonderful explanation. I am sure I am one of many who learned something. I did not know about the polarity. Now I do!
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With power adapters with the same connector always check the labels. The most important thing is the voltage. You can't connect a 12V adapter to a 5V device (you will burn it), but you can connect a 12V 5A (amps) adapter to a 12V 1A device.
And my advice with all that hardware: sell everything you don't use. There is demand for some old consoles, computers and games.
EDIT: AllTracTurbo read my mind and explained the same thing better than me :P
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Thank you.
But what if i win that jackpot or marry this rich doctor and i can have my game room? :p :o
I mean even if i took a more active role into using them, if i don't want to constantly hassle with cords the best scenario would be several tv's (right now i can't even afford a second for the living room).
And demand will only increase, computers get lost, broken, i just hate selling stuff through market places, i always let my dad do that, when you get those stingy people offering like half of what you are asking, same why i can't be bothered anymore with my thousands of steam cards.
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But what if i win that jackpot or marry this rich doctor and i can have my game room? :p :o
Then buy everything again :P
Yes, I know second hand market can sometimes be frustrating but if you don't have enough space or time to use all that hardware maybe it is time to give it a second life in other people's hands.
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But i really don't hope or plan to live here forever, but life is unpredictable, and especially in these days also uncertain.
Things should "feel" good for me, and this place just doesn't completely, also due it's location, an industrial area right across a hospital so you hear the occasional sirene (then again in some places in america i bet you hear police sirens almost every night).
But perhaps i am also spoiled in many ways, and used to a house for over 42 years, and it's a real shame i didn't get 2 bedrooms because if i do still get a child, i have to move out again, because with 1 bedroom there simply just isn't space here.
Suppose i would move in with this girlfriend at her place and the relationship ends, and kicks me out, the way it's going here i could basically end up on the streets, many are, it already took me 12 years to get a spot for this place.
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Each device will have its own polarity, voltage, and amperage rating. That way you can buy or recycle an old AC adapter with the same rating.
pos/neg polarity is very important on male round adapters.
voltage (V) is also important. Most electronics can only handle no more than 110% than what they are rated for. I wouldnt use the adapter on a device unless the voltage matched.
amperage (A) needs to be the same or higher than the device. Keep in mind 1400mA = 1.4A. Also the more amperage the adapter is rated for, the more electricity it consumes whether or not the receiving device needs that much,
https://www.unitconverters.net/current/milliamps-to-amps.htm
AC cords (no wall wort or inline converter providing DC) are all the same except for its plug because theres no conversion in the power.
Marking labeling, if you have easy access to permanent markers, paint pens, fingernail polish, etc. you can get creative on labelling both the adapter and device with abbreviations, colors or even symbols. Also if theres rooom, you can mark the polarity, voltage, and amperage so its readable without getting a magnifying glass for future.
I've used masking tape with a name written on half of it, then fold the tape on the cord next to the plug to create a tag. That way if I need to unplug something, I look at the tag.
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Keep in mind that marking old devices can cause them to lose value if you decide to sell them in the future. I would look for photos of the devices on the internet to classify the cables and adapters and store them in resealable bags along with the photo printed and properly labeled.
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Some devices can deal with under/over voltage to some extent (like some amps, higher/lower wattage just means more/less output) but ultimately you'd have to know which ones can, so best not to guess. Not to mention the barrel jacks sometimes have the polarity reversed, as some have said already.
I feel your pain though, I have a couple boxes/drawers of various power adapters and proprietary cables, probably some to devices I got rid of long ago, but without knowing what they go to I hate to get rid of them, in case I happen to find said thing and want to plug it in 😅
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Yeah, it's not best to guess and ruin a machine, but then how would i know what adapter is that machine for?
Maybe one day i should put everything in a row, put the adapters that says sega/nintendo away and apart, and pick out the unknown ones, and then the possibles machines they can go in, and just try what might fit or not, what might turn on or not.
Thank you, yeah probably me the same too like a dvd player, but especially more worried that i could ruin an appliance if/when i used the wrong adapter.
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Sadly I don't think there is a way (at least not that I know of) to know for sure, but usually the machine will have a sticker or something on it showing what it's expecting (like the picture below, 9V 850mA) and the power supply should match (input <blah> output: 9V, 850mA) as well as sometimes a little diagram showing whether the inside or outside is negative/positive.
Not ideal but at least you can usually tell what's right before plugging it in and trying.
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Nintendo yes, but they even put that on the adapter, but not cheap rom devices, or 2 table tops i have, perhaps even an adapter of an old dvd player, and who knows what obscure devices i might be forgetting.
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Yeah, fair. Maybe Google for those, but even then probably not in all cases 😞
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I tried with one yesterday, thought it was a name of a company, turned out to be some chinese city, and further it only shows volt/watt.
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I always knew even before moving i had way too many adapters (20 external drives and they all come with usb cables, adapters) but also just 30+ computers, if you are curious just check my steam profile.
With my parents place i just continued to ignore the consoles and play on steam (i have 11000+ games) without any wire messes on your tv, but now that i moved i have to start cleaning up bit by bit and sort things bit by bit, i can even put a label on them if i knew what adapter goes into what. Like for example i had this electric mob, i always thought the adapter was in the storage room as i keep stuff together, but it wasn't, then i found this one adapter not saying what it was for, thankfully they are sending me a new adapter, but still.
I got so many computers and so many adapters, it helps with old consoles when they bothered to say nintendo or sega on it, but lately it just says made in china or wherever without any clue to what it is for whatsoever, the crux is some adapters might fit into certain computers or things while it might be getting the wrong voltage/watt, am i lost? Is it dangerous if it's just like 2 volts off, like if it fits, it might be okay?
I absolutely got no electricity knowledge.
Bowy also left me a nice flea infestation (after i got a fly one 2 times) :x. I dunno how far it extends and you should go, not like my socks are full or they crawl on me like when my moms cats had fleas, you are supposed to just clean your house with spray, vacuum etc but when you still got many crates just stashed in your bedroom, it's very much lifting.
if i should even wash my stuffed animals again and even my clean clothes (dropped on the floor because no clothing cabinet) but it's one big mountain of stuff, i still love her though.<3
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