Best AC adapter substitute?
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?
Any idea?
Thanks, I want to be absolutely sure about what AC adapter to use.Originally Posted by daragez
The NES adapter fries things because the NES takes AC input, not DC like almost everything else.
Seriously? That's weird.
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.Yes, it says it right on the power supply and the console.
The C64 for example, took BOTH.
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.
Last edited by Tupin; 04-22-2009 at 08:10 PM.
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!
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.
http://www.sinclairzx81.co.uk/
Last edited by Tupin; 04-22-2009 at 08:41 PM.
Center polarity means nothing.
Either center is positive, or negative. That's it, and getting it wrong is instant fry.
Oh, I didn't know how to check polarities until I just looked it up. It has a negative polarity.
Any other suggestions?
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.
"Game programmers are generally lazy individuals. That's right. It's true. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Since the dawn of computer games, game programmers have looked for shortcuts to coolness." Kurt Arnlund - Game programmer for Activision, Accolade...
Check for a radio shack generic one, you may need a converter.
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.
A converter?
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/te...owersupply.htm
"Game programmers are generally lazy individuals. That's right. It's true. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Since the dawn of computer games, game programmers have looked for shortcuts to coolness." Kurt Arnlund - Game programmer for Activision, Accolade...
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.
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
Well, I am going to use the 16k expansion, does that count?
Thanks so much.
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