hello howard, the dec exp was a regulated 12v supply, a typical wall 
wart is not regulated unless it is a switching supply so the output 
boltage is 12 volts with or without a load on it.  most linear 
supplies are only their output voltage when they are under full 
load.  the dec exp only draws full current when it is talking at full 
volume.  if you don't have a regulated 12 volt adapter you can buy 
one from digi-key just get a switching supply at 12 volts and 500 
mills and be sure that you get the correct plug size where they plug 
in to the dec exp they used two different size plugs.  good luck, c u mike



At 03:58 PM 10/21/2012, you wrote:
>Well, the power supply for my dectalk express bit the dust..  It is nineteen
>years old.  The cord broke where it enters the block.
>As I remember, for some reason they didn't protect the power connector with
>a diode.
>The supply says 12 vdc at 400 MA continuous.  500 MA on peeks.  Is their
>anything else I need to look for?  I have a junk box full of wall worts,
>their should be something in there that will match 12 volts and 500 MA.
>H T Kaufman MSW LCSW
>Adaptive Technology Instructor