The previous post is actually incorrect. While using a cheap generic power supply may work, the Elite Video BVP4 is made for an expects a special "low ripple" model of power supply with very specific specs. Elite Video did not have their own branded power supply, but rather used a Panasonic/Matsushita model AC adapter intended for telephone accessories (answering machines, cordless phones).
Specifically, the
Panasonic KX-A11A (white), although the
Panasonic KX-A11 (black) may also work.
The primary difference between the right power supply and the wrong power supply is power noise that presents itself on-screen as image noise. I tried the aforementioned Radio Shack power plug, and it resulted in a rotating static noise bar that traveled vertically across the screen, from bottom to top. It wasn't a huge obvious noise bar, like bad tracking from a VHS tape in a VCR, but a faint repetitive noise that is easily seen when viewing a test pattern, or even just the JVC S-VHS VCR menu.
This is the exact text from the back of a black KX-A11 power supply:
Quote:
Panasonic
MODEL NO. KX-A11
AC ADAPTER
Plug-In Power supply for
Use with Telephone Device
INPUT: 120V~60Hz 12W 0.1A
OUTPUT: 12V = 500mA
CAUTION
INDOOR USE ONLY
UL LISTED 17J2 POWER SUPPLY
(SA) (R)
LR87960
CLASS 2
(-) - o) - (+)
Matsushita Electric
Made In China
|
The white KX-A11A has less markings, and a few things are written slightly different:
Quote:
Panasonic
MODEL NO. KX-A11A
AC ADAPTER
Plug-In Power Supply for
Use with Telephone Device
INPUT: AC~120V 60Hz 12W 0.1A
OUTPUT: DC 12V 500mA
CAUTION
INDOOR USE ONLY
UL LISTED 17J2 POWER SUPPLY
(-) - o) - (+)
Matsushita Electric
Made In China
|
The black version has the CSA logo "(SA)", Canadian Standards Association. The white version only has UL certification.
Most 12V 500mA power supplies are positive polarity, or "
(o". This one is negative polarity, or "
o)".
The
(-) - o) - (+) is open to the negative.
It's easy to miss that one, if you're not familiar with electrical adapters. The wrong polarity will leave you with a smoldering BVP-4 shaped paperweight.
The black versions appear to be far easier to acquire on eBay, and I'm currently testing two units. So far, everything looks fine. I'll come back and update this post if/when they're confirmed to be a perfect replacement. Testing hardware for purity isn't a quick or easy process. Someday I'll write a long guide series describing the process of eliminating variables and testing video and/or audio gear.
