Review: BasicWayne C128/1581 Dual Power Supply

Sam64H · Posted: Thu Nov 10, 2011 11:03 am Post subject:

I'm using a c128 psu for my c64 and works really great ! Never get any problem with it. I think c128 psu are the best way to have a good psu for all amp consuming interfaces (SCPU, REU, ...) It's a quite robust psu.

the only problem is ... availability. You will find easily c64 psu on the evil bay for cheap. But c128 psu are another story. I let my finger crossed for the c128 psu I'm using. The day it will fail, I will have to find a solution ...

That should be really great to make c128 psu replica. Thanks for this topic as I was quite tempted by buying a psu from basic wayne but well... will not try then Smile

c64web · Posted: Thu Nov 10, 2011 11:08 am Post subject:

I have too agree i have had zero trouble with a c128 power supply running
extra items connected including the SuperCPU with a Ethernet cartridge etc. Replacing the capacitors maybe prudent but so far unnessary. I grab the C128 repairable power packs when i can...

Shane.
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eslapion · Posted: Fri Nov 11, 2011 4:55 am Post subject:

Sam64H wrote:

I'm using a c128 psu for my c64 and works really great ! Never get any problem with it. I think c128 psu are the best way to have a good psu for all amp consuming interfaces (SCPU, REU, ...) It's a quite robust psu.

North american C128 PSUs are almost all rated for 5V/4.3A so robust they are, indeed. Apparently, european PSUs are rated for much less than that.

Quote:

That should be really great to make c128 psu replica.

Its not very difficult actually.

Quote:

Replacing the capacitors maybe prudent but so far unnessary.

It would avoid a catastrophy because the way they are built, if they do fail, they will destroy the computer they feed. It would also stretch their lifespan by just about another 20 years or more.

Its easy to do too.
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e5frog · Posted: Mon Jan 30, 2012 9:43 pm Post subject:

I asked BW about vent-holes in his economy PSU...

Quote:

Although there are no ventilstion holes, the unit is not
sealed tight. Air can penetrate the housing.

Sounds dangerous...

eslapion · Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2012 5:22 am Post subject:

e5frog wrote:

I asked BW about vent-holes in his economy PSU...

Quote:

Although there are no ventilstion holes, the unit is not
sealed tight. Air can penetrate the housing.

Sounds dangerous...

He actually still sells this public hazard!!
Rolling Eyes

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Oge_user · Posted: Sat Feb 04, 2012 4:04 pm Post subject:

eslapion wrote:

North american C128 PSUs are almost all rated for 5V/4.3A so robust they are, indeed. Apparently, european PSUs are rated for much less than that.

I confirm that. Why? European C128s were less power-hungry or bundled PSUs were underpowered?

Cheers,
Oge
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eslapion · Posted: Sat Feb 04, 2012 7:22 pm Post subject:

Oge_user wrote:

I confirm that. Why? European C128s were less power-hungry or bundled PSUs were underpowered?

Cheers,
Oge

My guess is, considering the specifics of the north american market, Commodore expected to sell a lot of 512k REUs for these machines and they did.

When I talked about making an REU version of Prince of Persia, I was told by the designer of this game that "nobody has an REU". Here in Canada and in the US, a lot of people have REUs.

The original Commodore 1750 uses a whopping 16 chips type 41256 so this version of the REU is somewhat power hungry.
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e5frog · Posted: Sat Feb 04, 2012 8:18 pm Post subject:

Sounds like the REU should have its own power supply.

My plain C128 PSU has 2.5A on the 5V line.

eslapion · Posted: Mon Feb 06, 2012 12:42 am Post subject:

e5frog wrote:

Sounds like the REU should have its own power supply.

My plain C128 PSU has 2.5A on the 5V line.

On the Commodore 64, the 1764 did have its own PSU.

While the original brick is rated for 7.5watts or 8.5 watts (less than 2A) on the 5V, the boosted PSU provided with the 1764 was rated for 2.5A.

Comparatively, a modern 5Vdc wallwart can provide up to 4A for less than 25$.
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