There is an entire class of transformers that surplus dealers call "AC Adapters." What we really mean is transformers or wall warts that plug directly into the wall (primary voltage 110 VAC), and via a cord and/or plug provide various levels of output current at various voltages. It is a rare buyer of surplus that gets the plug configuration he/she wants, and many get snipped off (plugs that is). They are handy power supplies, battery charging units, substitutes for batteries in toys and games, or for providing safe illumination to models and displays. Be sure to note whether the output is AC or DC (Direct Current, like a battery) and whether it can provide enough current for your application. Unless otherwise noted, all are suitable for indoor use only. Stick with us and you'll get the hang of adapting to AC...and at much lower prices than your friendly appliance/game/computer/calculator shop asks. Unless otherwise noted, all adapters are for 115 volt AC primaries, and all have about 6 ft. cords. (MA=Milliamp) (A=Ampere) (VDC= Volts DC) (VAC= Volts AC).

This handy little 5VDC 1.8A USB adapter has a folding, non-polarized plug, which makes it perfect for travel-charging, leaving in the car or keeping in your pocket as an emergency kit. In black plastic, it measures just 1-5/8" square x approx 1” when folded. UL. 

The PCSU1000 digital storage oscilloscope uses the power of your PC to visualize electrical signals. Its high sensitive display resolution, down to 0.15mV, combined with a high bandwidth and a sampling frequency of up to 1GHz are giving this unit all the power you need. The USB connection makes this unit a snap to set-up, no external power required! In the field measurements using a lap-top computer have never been this easy. This scope comes in a stylish vertical space-saving design. Powerful software will fulfill all your needs, but for those who like a challenge; a DLL is supplied, which allows you to create your own application. Requires Windows 98SE or higher.

oscilloscope: time base : 20ns to 100ms per division trigger source: CH1, CH2, EXT or free run trigger edge : rising or falling trigger level full-screen adjustable step interpolation : linear or smoothed markers for : voltage and time/frequency input range : 5mV to 2V/division input sensitivity: 0.15mV display resolution auto set-up function and X10 option pre-trigger function readouts: True RMS, dBV, dBm, p to p, Duty cycle, Frequency… record length: 4K samples / channel real-time sampling frequency: 1.25kHz to 50MHz sampling frequency for Repetitive signals: 1GHz

spectrum analyser: frequency range : 0 .. 1.2kHz to 25MHz linear or logarithmic timescale operating principle : FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) FFT resolution : 2048 lines FFT input channel : CH1 or CH2 zoom function markers for amplitude and frequency

transient recorder: timescale: 20ms/Div to 2000s/Div max. record time: 9.4hour/screen automatic storage of data automatic recording for more than 1 year max. number of samples : 100/s min. number of samples : 1 sample/20s markers for time and amplitude record and display of screens

Into soldering? Want to get into it? Either way, this Velleman® 60W electronic temperature-control soldering station is for you. Has a ceramic heating-element with a range of 392 to 896 degrees Fahrenheit, a sensor and heater-fail notification and an LED display with a digital temperature scale (Celsius or Fahrenheit). Low-voltage iron draws 24VAC. Measures 8" x 5.25" x 3.75" and is UL listed.

Tired of fibbing that you’re “working from home today”? Now you can honestly say you’re working from the car when you’re on your way to someplace better than work. This 15-24VDC car adapter for your laptop and other devices accepts 12-13.8V via a 17" cord with a fused cigarette plug. Puts out up to 6A at 15-24VDC via a 6-foot cord with modular feminine plugs in (6) sizes, plus (2) miniplugs. RoHS compliant. Fits most laptops.

These switching power supplies--called Mini Universal Notebook Adapters by their manufacturer, Velleman®--are smaller, produce less heat, have stabilized output, short circuit and overload protection. They put out up to 4.7A at 18-19.5VDC with ripple noise reduction via a 4-foot choked, non-polarized shaver cord. Measure 4-1/2" x 2-5/8" x 3/4". You pick: The power supply alone has a plug that the manufacturer says incompatible with Apple products--notebooks, phones, iPads, etc.; the Adapter Plus also includes a pack of plugs for Dell and HP.

Like Napoleon. Except he didn’t have a cell phone. You do, however, and this Travel Adapter charging station accepts 100-240VAC via non-polarized plugs in Type G, used in (50) countries; Type I for AustralAsia; Type C for Europe; and Type A for North America. Has a 700mA battery with a (4)-level charge indicator. Measures approx 3” x 2” x 1-1/4” and is RoHS compliant.

This switching 5VDC 1 amp USB power adapter features short-circuit protection and draws just 0.13W no load if you’re the sort of person who leaves it plugged in all the time. Output is via a female USB-out and comes with a polarized 4-foot cord and (8) different plugs, among them a mini-USB, and barrel connectors at 4mm/1.7mm, 3.5mm/1mm, and 2mm/0.7mm, plus others for Sony/Ericsson, Motorola, Nokia and Samsung phones from yesteryear. AC plug folds for storage.

Call it the Peripatetic Power Adapter. Accepts 100 -240VAC via (4) interchangeable plugs for North American type A, AustralAsian type I, European type C, and UK type G. Puts out 5VDC at up 2.5A through a 5-foot cord and micro USB connector.

In a world where the new biggest lie is “I’m working from home today,” you can now honestly say “I’m working from my car,” at least until you get to the golf course. This regulated power supply for your laptop and other devices takes 12-24V via a 20" cord cigarette plug with output voltages from 1.5 to 12V in 1.5V increments. Output is via a 5-foot cord with modular socket and (7) different plugs, including (2) miniplugs. Has a 2A max output and is RoHS compliant. Fits most laptops.