T&T: Analog 2 Digital TV adapters

[Elliott Bray]

I located a site that listed some 30-40 A2D converter boxes that qualified
for the Federal subsidy. Amoung the data availiable were the voltage
requirements for the devices. There were several 12v and 5v systems. The
highest rated one was 5v. I got one of those. I also got a highly rated 12v
device (altho it hasn't arrived yet). Obviously, they use a power brick to
convert 110v AC to DC.

My question is, the plug on the adapter cable is not the round kind but
rather a rectangular polarized plastic connector. The adapter itself says
the input is 110-120 (or there abouts) and the output is 5v **** /5amp. 
The *** in the previous sentence is a continuous solid line with a dashed
line below it.
I assume this is telling me that one of the wires is + and one is - but
which one is which. 
The cable is a fairly regular (albeit small gauge) two-wire with the
insulation of one of the pair and one with ridges.
I have noticed the symbol before but havn't found the reference.

I will have to see what power connections the other device uses. 
My intention is to (at least consider) wiring the converter into the boat's
12v system at some future time.

TIA

PS. The converter works great. I have a small set of rabbit-ears that I
connected up as a test. The box (Dish Network ATSC TR-40CRA) pulled in 7
channels here in Austin and they are equal or better than my Time-Warner
cable.

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Elliott Bray
M/V Letitia - Gulfstar 44 MC
www.loopcruiser.com
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