Mains adapter for older Pentax Kx

[Joats]

Hi

I have an older Pentax camera which is a Kx. It suffers from a rather cynical software design fault by Pentax, in that is shows constant Battery Depletion warning before shutting down. It does this regardless of battery type and voltage available. The problem has existed prior to the warranty being up, but I was incorrectly told that I was simply using the wrong batteries. I have used Eneloops rechargables and other full 1.5v non rechargables, all give the same fault. I have done some research and it seems that the issue has to do with a firmware design problem, which (strangely) shows up commonly after one year of use. Ricoh/Pentax deny the problem exists, as do Johnsons Photopia (the repair center), although the London Pentax office agree to it being a problem. The cost of repair is astronomical, and the workaround methods are no longer achievable due to 2 reasons. 1. The problem is partly remedied by updating the firmware, the problem is that the camera needs to be under constant power in order for the update to take place. If it cuts out during the update, the camera motherboard is finished. So batteries can't be used. 2. The only way of powering the camera during an update is the AC power supply adapter. Trouble is, it is no longer available. The adapter is the K-AC84 and no-one has it. On the odd occasion one shows up at a ridiculous price of well over £100 (for a used Chinese made cheap plastic adapter). I have read on one forum site that another adapter the D-AC10 will also work with the Kx, but I have not been able to verify that, and can't find one anyway.
Does anyone have a workaround solution to this problem? Failing that does anyone have an adapter I could borrow to update the firmware? I live in Cambridgeshire.

Many thanks

Joats

[pentaxpete]

I bought a K10D in 2007 and did not get the AC adapter when it was about £65 quids -- then it increased in price to ridiculous level -- i have not 'Updated the Firmware' thingy -- it is still as sold in 2007. I am still using the original Pentax battery.

[danofmk]

I've got an old adapter of some type lying in my draw at work. Turned up with some old film gear I bought online

I'll see if I can identify it tomorrow when I'm in and I'll let you know.

As I say though, probably a long shot.

[Smeggypants]

Welcome to the forum Joats.

[danofmk]

Sorry for the delay

The charger I have is labelled battery charging stand D-BC25

Any good? Can post a picture if it helps?

[petrochemist]

I was considering making a power supply for my K7 a few years back, I tracked down all the parts but never got any further.
Assuming the Kx has the same connection the details I have filed somewhere should work for you.
Would you like me to dig them out, or wouldn't you make a DIY version anyway?

[Arbalist]

You can buy multi voltage power supplies with a range of different plugs, would one of these do the job?