AC Adapter questions...

Yes, replace it with the properly rated adapter, or get a second adapter to power only the motor. You can't "adjust" an AC adapter. :)

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Is there a problem if I just use the AC adapter I have? Will it burn out or anything since it doesn't match? I don't have any other adapters and I can't find any that match perfectly. The best I found was a 12 volt 2.5 amp adapter for 40 bucks! Is going over in amps a problem?

No. it is like asking if a gallon jug is too big to put a quart into. It is a question of capability versus requirement. The 2.4 amps is the capability. You won't use more than your load requires so that you have extra unneeded capacity. That is a good thing.

Charlie

Ok but what if I keep using the adapter with only 1.2 amps? Will it burn out because the tree wants 2 amps?

probably. the tree draws more current than the adaptor can provide.

Thanks everyone. I found a 12 volt 3 amp adapter but the motor still doesn't turn. It must be busted. Any suggestions on how to determine if the motor is really broken? Maybe I'll try to replace it with an old clock motor or something.

The clock motor sounds like a good idea. Definitely separate the motor power from the tree power. If you can, measure the resistance of the motor with a multimeter with the power off. My guess is that it should be less than 100 ohms. If the measurement shows an open winding, then replacing the motor is about the only option as repairing those tiny motors is very difficult.

Clock motors are very low torque, but might work depending on the weight of the wheel. You need something more like the motor that turns the plate inside a microwave. You might also try to take your motor to an electric shop and they might take pity on you and fix it.

are you sure the output needed from the adaptor is Ac and not Dc or vice versa? this might explain the non-movement.

are you sure the output needed from the adaptor is Ac and not Dc or vice versa? this might explain the non-movement.

I was thinking that too. Most of the fibre optic lamps that I have seen which have a colour wheel in, use a low voltage AC motor, so if the OP is trying to use a DC supply, then the motor won't run.

Arfa

Yes. You'll either blow its fuse, or cook it. Get the right adapter.

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    W
  . | ,. w ,   "Some people are alive only because

It's not like voltage on a universal adapater, which might have 12, 9,

7, 5, and 3. They didn't build a 1.5 amp adapter and then restrict it to 1.2 amps. IF it doesn't run everything, it's not big enough.

No. It's something like turning on the kitchen sink. The city water company has enough capacity to fill 10's of thousands of sinks at the same time, but only the amount of water your pipes and faucet will carry come out of your faucet. Over-capacity is not dangerous.

Water company capacity (maximum output, quantity of water per unit of time) is analogous to maximum amperage.

OTOH, water pressure that is much too high can make weak pipes leak or burst, which is analogous to burning out an electrical device. (I think it can make the toilet tank keep filling after it is full, and maybe other things.) Water pressure is analogous to voltage.