C64 power supply. Do NOT use 1 unless you check the output.
Posted: Tue Oct 04, 2016 11:36 pm
I pulled my favorite C64 out of its dusty box and I have read of issues with the factory power supplies going bad in their age and in so doing upping the DC 5v output line to ram chip destroying levels. It would seem to me that using a factory supply without something between it and your elderly precious is Russian roulette. Of course you can measure the pins from the power supply and confirm if its currently ok.. I measured one of mine at random. A darth vaderish black wedge power supply and it is currently reading 5.7 volts from the two pins concerned (9v AC output not known to fault).
So in getting to my point there are various solutions now being pushed online. One is a "c64" saver (lets you know if the volts go out of spec) which goes between the supply and your c64, others include varieties of bodges including two separate new supplies for your 5v and 9v ac requirements or online schematics to make your own new one. Now Im always one for thinking of the "third way", there's always one. My idea is to insert inline a adjustable voltage step down circuit, and ill put two din plugs/sockets on each end. This will stop the supply getting its way and feeding anymore than 5v dc in. This will let you keep using the power supply you have and not have to open it to attempt self repair or toss it out (or pick away at resin) if its one of the majority resin filled ones. Im going to order the parts and will let you know the results.
So in getting to my point there are various solutions now being pushed online. One is a "c64" saver (lets you know if the volts go out of spec) which goes between the supply and your c64, others include varieties of bodges including two separate new supplies for your 5v and 9v ac requirements or online schematics to make your own new one. Now Im always one for thinking of the "third way", there's always one. My idea is to insert inline a adjustable voltage step down circuit, and ill put two din plugs/sockets on each end. This will stop the supply getting its way and feeding anymore than 5v dc in. This will let you keep using the power supply you have and not have to open it to attempt self repair or toss it out (or pick away at resin) if its one of the majority resin filled ones. Im going to order the parts and will let you know the results.