What is a "power converter" in a laptop? Where to buy one?

[peterskis3]

I have a SonyLaptop PCG F430. All a sudden, there is no power, whether I use the AC/Adapter or a battery power pack.

I was told that most likely it is due to the failure of the "power converter".

Questions:

- What is a "power converter" in a laptop?
- Where to buy one?

Thanks!

peterskis3@yahoo.com
Tue, 07.10.01

[kenja]

Sounds like the DC-to-DC converter. I don't think this is a "do it yourself" project, even if you could get the part from Sony. (But maybe I'm mistaken.)

[mjc]

The Ac adapter is also sometimes referred to the power converter and without it the batteries couldn't recharge therefore no power once they drained...that would be a do it yourself project, simply order a new one from Sony, but I would take it to a shop that has Sony laptops for sale and see if they would let you try to power up with a known good AC adapter.

------------------
mjc
Links list:Computer Links (http://www.fortunecity.com/skyscraper/highrise/11/index.htm)

Celts are the men that heaven made mad, For all their battles are merry and their songs are all sad.

[nimnorf2]

Hey Peter,
Usually when something goes bad "all of a sudden" it's something simple eletrically. Just a short or a bad connection or a blown fuse. Of course you could all of sudden fry your mother board, but... I don't think that's your problem here. Really, first just check all of your connections. Some wall sockets (where you plug in your ac power adapter) are controlled by a light switch. builders will purposefully wire one half of the receptacle to come on with a switch for a table lamp. I know that is probably obvious to you.....but
Next.
My laptop runs with the power adapter alone and no battery pack installed at all, but it is possible that yours always runs off/through the battery pack and therefore....it's possible that you just have a poor connection at the battery pack. Take the pack out. gently clean (with a lint free cloth/tissue) the metal contacts on the battery pack and inside the laptop where they touch/connect. It's possible that that'll be all you need to do.
I'm the "town idiot" on this forum and am known to spend hours of time to fix minutes worth of stuff rather than taking it in to real service people, but...have a try.
peace
post back, let us know how it goes

[peterskis3]

Originally posted by kenja:
Sounds like the DC-to-DC converter. I don't think this is a "do it yourself" project, even if you could get the part from Sony. (But maybe I'm mistaken.)

REPLY:
Thanks for your prompt and helpful response. You are right, Sony wouldn't sell it to me directly. They want me to find a Sony-authorized service store to do the job.

Much obliged,

Peter
07.11.01

[peterskis3]

Originally posted by nimnorf2:
Hey Peter,
Usually when something goes bad "all of a sudden" it's something simple eletrically. Just a short or a bad connection or a blown fuse. Of course you could all of sudden fry your mother board, but... I don't think that's your problem here. Really, first just check all of your connections. Some wall sockets (where you plug in your ac power adapter) are controlled by a light switch. builders will purposefully wire one half of the receptacle to come on with a switch for a table lamp. I know that is probably obvious to you.....but
Next.
My laptop runs with the power adapter alone and no battery pack installed at all, but it is possible that yours always runs off/through the battery pack and therefore....it's possible that you just have a poor connection at the battery pack. Take the pack out. gently clean (with a lint free cloth/tissue) the metal contacts on the battery pack and inside the laptop where they touch/connect. It's possible that that'll be all you need to do.
I'm the "town idiot" on this forum and am known to spend hours of time to fix minutes worth of stuff rather than taking it in to real service people, but...have a try.
peace
post back, let us know how it goes

MY REPLY:
Thanks for the quick and detail response. My problem is with the DC/DC converter within the laptop, which distributes the correct voltage to all components. Sony won't sell it to me, so I'll have to send the laptop to Sony's Service Center in Fremont, CA! http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/frown.gif

Appreciate your help!

Peterskis
July 11, 2001

[peterskis3]

Originally posted by mjc:
The Ac adapter is also sometimes referred to the power converter and without it the batteries couldn't recharge therefore no power once they drained...that would be a do it yourself project, simply order a new one from Sony, but I would take it to a shop that has Sony laptops for sale and see if they would let you try to power up with a known good AC adapter.



MJC,
I really appreciate your kind reply. Unfortunately, my problem lies beyond the power adapter. It is the DC/DC converter within the Laptop that is at fault - no power, either from the external AC adapter or from the fully charged battery can get in the laptop!

Much appreciated,

Peterskis
07.11.01