Best AC adapter substitute?

[Tupin]

Okay, so I'm getting a Timex Sinclair, but without an AC adapter. It uses a 9v one, but I was wondering which one exactly would be the best. I don't think I can use an NES one, as it has a tendency to fry anything it's plugged into if it's not an NES.

The Jaguar one actually looks like a generic AC adapter, and that's what I think is my best option is now. Anyone have an idea about the exact electrical requirements of the Timex Sinclair?

[Tupin]

Any idea?

[Tupin]

no ideas yet....i'll get some info....
Thanks, I want to be absolutely sure about what AC adapter to use.

[evildragon]

The NES adapter fries things because the NES takes AC input, not DC like almost everything else.

[Tupin]

The NES adapter fries things because the NES takes AC input, not DC like almost everything else.
Seriously? That's weird.

[evildragon]

Yes, it says it right on the power supply and the console. ;) Every console usually specifies if it's DC or AC input.

The C64 for example, took BOTH.

[Tupin]

Yes, it says it right on the power supply and the console. ;) Every console usually specifies if it's DC or AC input.

The C64 for example, took BOTH.
Yeah, and the Commodore used DIN for it's power connector, so it's even weirder.

The only thing that concerns me about using the Jaguar connector is that it's 1.2A, which I think is pretty high. I'm no electrician, so I might be wrong.

[evildragon]

In electricity, having more amperage at the disposal of a lower current device, is perfectly fine. It can NOT take more than it needs. It's voltage you need to worry about, AND polarity!

[Tupin]

Yeah, the AC adapter I have is 9v DC and has center polarity.

EDIT: No idea if they are the same when it comes to power specs, but the ZX81 apparently can take anywhere from 7-11v DC. :hmm:

http://www.sinclairzx81.co.uk/

[evildragon]

Center polarity means nothing.

Either center is positive, or negative. That's it, and getting it wrong is instant fry.

[Tupin]

Oh, I didn't know how to check polarities until I just looked it up. It has a negative polarity.

[Tupin]

Any other suggestions?

[jb143]

I can't find it in the manual but it's here if you need it...

http://www.old-computers.com/MUSEUM/docs.asp?c=477&st=1

Most powers supplies are center positive though, and plugging in the wrong one will more than likely blow a regulator or a diode in the system. Also, as someone mentioned earlier, as long as the current rating is at least what it needs then you'll be fine. It's ok to be higher.

[c0ldb33r]

Check for a radio shack generic one, you may need a converter.

[Tupin]

Do you think if I took it to RadioShack that they could tell what adapter I need?

What would be really cool to see is an actual AC adapter for a Timex Sinclair, that way I can just write down the specs.

[Tupin]

Check for a radio shack generic one, you may need a converter.
A converter?

[jb143]

Do you think if I took it to RadioShack that they could tell what adapter I need?

What would be really cool to see is an actual AC adapter for a Timex Sinclair, that way I can just write down the specs.

Um...people at radio shack aren't likely to know much of anything about that sort of thing. Also their power supplies are going to be $$$. *If* the Timex Sinclair has a center negative terminal as well(which I'm sure someone on here can verify) then the Jaguar supply should work just fine.

What I would do is open it up and read continuity from the center post to a ground point on the board...but I know that just me though. Not everyone is comfortable doing such things.

Also, while it doesn't have the info your looking for, there is a good power supply cross reference on this site here... http://www.digitpress.com/library/techdocs/powersupply.htm

[Tupin]

Yeah, I'm pretty good with opening things up, especially since the entire computer was printed on four chips. I'll just look on the board for specific specs, or wait for someone here to verify whether it's center positive or center negative.

That site seems like it will be helpful, thanks. :)

[channelmaniac]

9v 650ma DC, tip positive.

You can use a 9v 500ma DC adapter from an Atari 2600 and it will work fine. The only time you would need the extra current is if you are plugging in some expansion cards on the back of the computer.

RJ

[Tupin]

Well, I am going to use the 16k expansion, does that count?

Thanks so much. :-D

[channelmaniac]

It does.

For more reliable operation, I would suggest a bigger adapter.

If you can find a 9v 1A DC adapter or even a 1.2A one then just cut the end off and solder on a new one. It's simply a standard 1/8" mono headphone plug and you can pick those up at Radio Shack.

SOLDER IT. DO NOT use the solderless type plugs. That's just asking for trouble.

Make sure you have the polarity right too or you might screw up the computer. It has a voltage regulator in it, but you don't want to risk damaging it. Also if you have a peripheral or plug in card that uses the 9v DC you'll damage it by supplying backwards power.

It's positive tip. Put the red lead of your multimeter on the tip of the plug and the black on the shaft. If it reads normal voltage then you are good to go. If it reads negative voltage then you wired it backwards.

RJ

[Tupin]

What about those Universal AC adapters where you can select the current and plug polarity?

[gokugohandave]

I have a timex sinclair 1000 with the extra 16k and I just use my atari adapter, works fine. Though I would suggest as said before that you may want to up the amps a little more. I like the mono plug idea.

[Tupin]

Yeah, I'll try using a 2600 adapter just to make sure it works, and then I'll find some other alternative, probably finding a universal adapter.

[Enigmus]

Okay, so I'm getting a Timex Sinclair, but without an AC adapter. It uses a 9v one, but I was wondering which one exactly would be the best. I don't think I can use an NES one, as it has a tendency to fry anything it's plugged into if it's not an NES.

The Jaguar one actually looks like a generic AC adapter, and that's what I think is my best option is now. Anyone have an idea about the exact electrical requirements of the Timex Sinclair?

I know how you feel. I have a SNES that once had a power supply, but a tree hit the power lines, and it burnt. So, any suggestions anyone? Any replacements besides Radio Shack (A.K.A. The Cord Pit of Doom)

[channelmaniac]

A universal adapter will work for the Timex/Sinclair but be VERY careful of the polarity on the tip.

RJ

[Tupin]

A universal adapter will work for the Timex/Sinclair but be VERY careful of the polarity on the tip.

RJ
Sounds good. RadioShack might be my only option, unless I can just buy a loose 2600 AC adapter around here.

Oh, and the SNES needs an AC adapter specifically made for it.

[Enigmus]

Oh, and the SNES needs an AC adapter specifically made for it.

Great. The original NES has an adapter that's one of the most common in the USA, and the SNES is custom-made. Of course. They started simple, and once they had the money they went all out for their Gray-and-Purple wonder box. The NES was simple as can be, and the SNES went all out, with cart chips and controllers, and even the POWER SUPPLY. Curse you, custom plug!:bad-words:

[Tupin]

Okay, this is more of a question about hooking it up, but I got a 2600 adapter today. The image comes up, but it's very blurry and grainy, as well as being in black and gray instead of black and bluish-green. The keyboard does not respond. What am I doing wrong?

Oh, and it outputs in Channel 2 and 3, not 3 and 4. Weird.

[channelmaniac]

You posted another thread about this... tsk tsk. ;)

That computer outputs black & white. It's also famous for keyboard problems as the mylar sheet that plugs into the board will crack, split, and break.

You should have a square black cursor on the bottom left corner of the screen.

RJ