I have the iPod 15GB Model.  I have a charger that one end plugs into
the wall and the other has a 3.5mm miniplug connector.  Can I use this
charger to charge my iPod?  If so, what are the voltage requirements? 
If not, please explain why.

Thank you.

Hello Amrobinwood

You have not indicated which version of the iPod you have (whether it
is the new version with a dock or the old version) but either way this
does not really matter.

The new iPod with the dock is charged via a long thin connector on the
bottom of the machine whilst the old iPod is charged via a firewire
port on the top.  The 3.5mm connector should only be used for
headphones, iTrips etc.

I would recommend only using the original iPod power adaptor (which
can be purchased via http://store.apple.com for $49 or sometimes found
on http://www.ebay.com cheaper secondhand).

The specifications of the iPod can be found here:
http://www.apple.com/ipod/specs.html

Note:
6-pin FireWire connector 
AC input: 100V to 240V at 0.4 amp maximum 
Frequency: 50Hz to 60Hz 
DC output: 12V at 1 amp maximum 

If you do not have (or do not want to buy) an Apple adaptor you can
also recharge the iPod by attaching it to your PC and switching the
iPod off.  This is detailed in the iPod manual which can be found
here:

http://www.apple.com/support/ipod/

There is also a section on the Apple site about charging your iPod here:

http://www.apple.com/support/ipod/power/

I hope this answers your questions.  Unfortunately you cannot use the
3.5mm power supply that you have but hopefully I have pointed you in
the direction of how you can charge your iPod successfully.

If you have any more questions or queries regarding your iPod please ask.

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Request for Answer Clarification by amrobinwood-ga on 19 May 2004 12:11 PDT

Thank you very much for your detailed answer.

Do you know whether the 3.5mm Miniplug port is connected at all to the
power supply.  I am wondering whether it is possible to create an
accessory that will charge throught the miniplug port.

Thanks.

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Clarification of Answer by palitoy-ga on 19 May 2004 12:24 PDT

I believe the miniplug port can DRAW a small amount of power (as this
is how some accessories work, for example the iTrip) but I do not
believe it is directly connected to the power supply/battery.

There is an external battery pack that Belkin makes which can be made
to recharge the battery but again this does not use the 3.5mm plug but
the standard recharge location.  This would suggest that it is not
possible to recharge through the 3.5mm port.

Link for the Belkin pack (see the cable on the picture):
http://www.apple.com/ipod/accessories.html
http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore?productLearnMore=T6714LL/A

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Request for Answer Clarification by amrobinwood-ga on 19 May 2004 20:16 PDT

Can you please clarify what you mean by:

"I believe the miniplug port can DRAW a small amount of power (as this
is how some accessories work, for example the iTrip)."

How much power can it draw?

Contrary to your response, this would suggest that the miniplug port
is connected to the power supply.  Can you please explain.

Thanks.

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Clarification of Answer by palitoy-ga on 20 May 2004 01:05 PDT

I have searched for this information on the internet and it is not
available anywhere I am afraid.  The exact information on how the iPod
works is kept secret by Apple.

I would though stand by my assertion that you cannot charge the iPod
by the headphone socket as the recharging mechanism is through other
ports on the machine.