"zirath" wrote in message
news:0f2Hj.7616$Yy2.1091@trndny04...
We recently got a gateway fpd1520 (15" lcd flatscreen) monitor from ebay.
It didn't have a power cord. It says it's a 12v dc 2.5a but it doesn't
give the polarity. A person from gateway said he thought it wouldn't hurt
the monitor if it got plugged in backwards but I'd rather not try it.

Would appreciate any help.

If it has got any external metal parts such as RCA (phono) connector outers,
BNC connector outers, 'D' connector surround etc, or possibly screws for a
stand, as these often go right through the plastic case, and into the
internal chassis, then try measuring from any such metal to each of the DC
power input connector's terminals in turn, using an ohm meter. Chances are
you'll find a direct connection, and that will be your DC ground ( "-" )
connection. The other will then be the "+". Assuming that it's a 'standard'
co-axial DC connector, on most modern equipment, 'pin' is "+" and side
contact is "-" although that's not cast in stone. Be aware when you are
obtaining a replacement PSU, that the plug is often a slightly abnormal
size, being a little larger than those you typically find on 'general' power
supplies. Also, make sure that you get one well rated for the job, as these
monitors do draw quite a lot of current, and may well surge up close to the
quoted 2.5 amps at startup, as the LCD backlights first fire up before
settling to their run current.

As to whether it would be safe to reverse connect it, I wouldn't like to
say. Some equipment is perfectly well protected against such 'consumer
antics', but it is by no means guaranteed, and if it is not adequately
protected, the result is often an item that's fried beyond repair, for no
other reason than unobtainable power supply devices, as many previous posts
on this subject over the years, will attest ...

Arfa