Vic 20 power supply issue

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Neo-Rio
Vic 20 Amateur
Posts: 45
Joined: Sun Jun 07, 2015 5:57 pm
Location: Oz

Vic 20 power supply issue

Post by Neo-Rio »

Friend picked up an older two-pronged power socketed vic-20 today, but the PSU is some after market duct-taped broken thing that the vic won't even show a power light.

What are the options?

Does someone sell european/Australian psus?
Can you hack a converter cable to get the 9V from a c64 psu to power one of these?
Can you hack a standard 9V AC power supply to fit into the vic two-prong socket?
Does ray carlsen build psus for old model Vics?

Any ideas?
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mrr19121970
Vic 20 Nerd
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Re: Vic 20 power supply issue

Post by mrr19121970 »

There are 2 types of 2 prong 9V VIC20s. The NTSC version, which you can jam in a euro-cable. The PAL version is slightly larger and square. I assume you have the PAL version?

It's only a transformer. I am sure Ray will gladly make one for you, you I guess you can source them cheaper nearby. Checkout you local music suppliers, the brand Rockpower devices need 9v AC and you can pick up a 2 amp transformer cheaply. The C64 PSU does not deliver enough amperes on the 9v AC to drive the VIC.

Just because the VIC power light is not working does not mean the 9v AC PSU is not working. 1st check the fuse and the fuse holder, and then the 5v DC covertor. Also the switches can break and need to be desoldered, stripped, cleaned and lubricated.

Start off with your multimeter in AC mode and measure the PSU. then measure at the back of the switch. Then follow the traces to the 5v convertor. Check the solder is not cracked and dried. Check the fuse holder is clean and tight. Check the fuse with your multimeter in DC mode.
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Mike
Herr VC
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Location: Munich, Germany
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Re: Vic 20 power supply issue

Post by Mike »

Neo-Rio wrote:the PSU is some after market duct-taped broken thing
It is not understandable, if people even try to stick an obviously defective appliance into a power socket. Such a thing easily can give you a electric shock, catch fire or what else!

Chop off both cables and throw it into the bin. And then get a working replacement.
Neo-Rio
Vic 20 Amateur
Posts: 45
Joined: Sun Jun 07, 2015 5:57 pm
Location: Oz

Re: Vic 20 power supply issue

Post by Neo-Rio »

Yeah it's a PAL Vic-20 (Australia)

Are the square plugs easy to source? Or are they really rare and hard to get?
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