| |
Cybernator
Registered: Jun 2002
Posts: 154 |
Round power connector on C128?
Hi,
I came across a German C128 (flat) that has a round power connector, unlike my other 3 C128's (including a DCR and another German C128-flat) which all have a square one.
Was there any C128 revision with a round power connector? Would a C128 work with a C64 PSU?
|
|
| |
notalentcoder
Account closed
Registered: Jan 2009
Posts: 10 |
http://personalpages.tds.net/~rcarlsen/cbm/pinouts.txt
If it is a German c128 I believe it's most likely a PAL system. The pinouts are not compatible from what I've read there and what I remember from my trip in the c64 wayback-machine. |
| |
taper
Registered: Dec 2001
Posts: 119 |
I have never heard about a c128 with the same powerconnector as a C64. Perhaps a hardwarehack by the former owner for some reason, or a bad day at the factory? ;)
Anyway, even if it is pin compatible with a C64 PSU (note; I'm not saying that it is!), you should NEVER run a C128 on a C64 PSU! The C128 needs more power than a C64 and wouldn't like it one bit. Also, keep in mind that the design of the C64 PSU is crappy and an old C64 PSU going bad will most often take the computer with it when it dies. The C128 PSU is switched and will not kill the computer when it dies.
So, basically, you shouldn't run a C64 on a crappy old C64 PSU either, if you love your hardware... ;) |
| |
Mace
Registered: May 2002
Posts: 1799 |
Cybernator, can you post a photo of the connector?
Also from the inside of the computer, to see how it is connected to the board?
Taper, do you know if the super-PSU that comes with the REU is switched? |
| |
taper
Registered: Dec 2001
Posts: 119 |
Mace: No, I don't know that since I've never seen one of those C64 REU PSU's. But, from what I have heard from others, such a PSU is simply the same model as a C128 PSU but with a C64 connector on it. If that's the case, it is switched. |
| |
Jope
Registered: Jul 2004
Posts: 25 |
Indeed, the C-64 REU PSU is the same as the C-128 PSU but with a round connector.
As for the computers themselves, the PCB layout is identical for the round and square DINs, so you can easily mod your C-64 for a square connector and the C-128 for a round connector if you so please.
Some old breadboxes had a square opening for the PSU connector, just nick the metal plate off one of those if you have a breadbox.. The C-64C and C-64II already have the square hole. |
| |
Cybernator
Registered: Jun 2002
Posts: 154 |
It's a standard 7-pin DIN connector as used in a C64. I took a closer look and it appears to be modded. I thought it either worked for whoever did the mod or the computer was dead already, so I plugged a standard C64 PSU just to see if I get any sign of life. I sensed a burning smell in a matter of seconds. :( The Graetz circuit (if that's the correct term) was hot as hell. I hope the PLA still works.
|
| |
Cybernator
Registered: Jun 2002
Posts: 154 |
I'm recycling this thread as I'm trying to fix my C128 DCR and could use some hints. The C128 screen shows up (Basic V7, etc) but with randomly colored chars (not flashing though), and no cursor shows up. The floppy drive seems to finish its start-up sequence no problem. I've tried using a C64 cartridge, holding down Commodore key during start-up and switching to 80-column display, but the results are always the same (ie. always getting the 40-column C128 mode). So far I replaced the MMU, PLA and VIC, but without any luck. None of the chips are getting abnormally hot. The VDC seems to produce no signal, or at least that's what my TV-set says (I use the monochrome output). I'm not sure if a faulty VDC can cause these symptoms. The flat C128 uses a different VDC chip that is not compatible with DCR's, so I can't test it. Ray Carlsen's troubleshooting documents did not help either.
Any ideas? |
| |
ready.
Registered: Feb 2003
Posts: 441 |
have you test RAM ICs? the 128DCR should mount the 41464 RAM or compatible, same ones as in the C64E (C64 with short board). |
