External Power Supplies
An External Power Supply for a knitting machine refers to a non-original power adapter used to provide electrical power to the machine, often replacing the manufacturer's original unit. These are particularly useful for electronic knitting machines, especially when operating a machine designed for one country's voltage in another country with a different voltage standard.
Why Use an External Power Supply?
External power supplies offer several advantages over original or built-in power solutions:
- Replacement for old, failing, or lost original power adapters.[1][2]
- Eliminates the need for heavy and cumbersome step-down or step-up transformers when using a machine in a region with different voltage standards.[1][2]
- For example, a Brother knitting machine manufactured for the Japanese market (100V) can be used in Europe (230V) without a transformer.[1][2]
- Similarly, a European-market machine (230V) can be used in the USA (110V) without a transformer.[1][2]
Technical Requirements
When selecting an external power supply, it is crucial to ensure it meets specific technical requirements to prevent damage to the knitting machine's electronics. These specifications are critical for proper and safe operation.[1][2]
- Voltage Output: The power supply must output 12 volts DC (direct current).[1][2]
- Amperage Capacity: It should be capable of delivering either 3 amps (A) or 5 amps (A) to ensure sufficient power.[1][2]
- Polarity: The power supply must have a center-positive polarity. This means the center pin of the DC barrel plug is positive (+) and the outer sleeve is negative (–). Using a power supply with incorrect polarity can cause significant damage to the machine's electronic board.[1][2]
- DC Barrel Plug Type: The plug should have a 5.5mm outer diameter and a 2.1mm inner diameter for a secure and correct connection.[1][2]
- Local AC Compatibility: The power supply itself must be compatible with the local wall voltage (e.g., 220-240V in Europe, 120V in North America) and convert it to the required 12V DC.[1][2]
Example Power Supplies
An example of a suitable external power supply is the MEAN WELL GST60A12-P1J, which is available in versions compatible with various local AC voltages.[2]
Jumper Settings (eKnitter Specific)
Some aftermarket electronic boards, such as the eKnitter, include a jumper setting to select the power source. It is important to set the jumper correctly.
The jumper must always be set to one of these positions.[2]
References
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 https://eknitter.com/external-power-supply-for-eknitter/ External Power Supply for eKnitter – eKnitter for Brother knitting machine
- ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13 https://eknitter.com/who-should-use-the-external-power-supply/ Power, your way – eKnitter for Brother knitting machine