Alternative SD2IEC 5v power source

pallas · Post by **pallas** » Tue Feb 12, 2013 6:35 am

Hello!

My first post here!
I'm resurrecting my vic-20 after almost 30 years of inactivity.
I'm already having a lot of fun with old cassettes and the sd2iec adapter I bought.
I just wanted to ask if there is an alternative way to power the adapter (5V) without using the cassette port (so I can keep the datassette connected, and load programs from both sources).
For example it would be nice to load the unexpander prg from sd2iec to load a cassette program which must run unexpanded. All the cartridge and port swapping makes me think it's stressing my hardware.
Of course a 5v power supply would do, but I'm hoping for some better solution, not requiring additional hardware.

Many thanks!

tokra · Post by **tokra** » Tue Feb 12, 2013 7:07 am

A good SD2IEC-adapter will provide a through for the tape-port. I see you are located in Italy. This may be the device you want:

http://www.manosoft.it/?p=1&lang=en

I use this myself and it's the perfect device. See it in action here:

http://sleepingelephant.com/ipw-web/bul ... php?t=5185

pallas · Post by **pallas** » Tue Feb 12, 2013 7:11 am

My current sd2iec adapter is powered by the tape port already.
That's what I want to avoid. The question is: where can I find 5v somewhere else on the vic and how to connect.
The adapter you are suggesting looks very nice, unfortunately I already have one

yellow_lantern · Post by **yellow_lantern** » Tue Feb 12, 2013 7:48 am

I like the external power source myself as I use the uIEC on my Plus/4 as well.

Maybe you could rewire onto this and do a pass-through?
http://store.go4retro.com/products/C2N-Power.html

pallas · Post by **pallas** » Tue Feb 12, 2013 7:52 am

yellow_lantern wrote:I like the external power source myself as I use the uIEC on my Plus/4 as well.

Maybe you could rewire onto this and do a pass-through?
http://store.go4retro.com/products/C2N-Power.html

Looks interesting, and just what I need. Quick soldering should do the job. Thanks

EDIT: if it wasn't for 25$ shipping....

rhurst · Post by **rhurst** » Tue Feb 12, 2013 4:50 pm

Jim has also sold joystick passthru adapters to attach to its 5v power line... it was intended for SX-64 users, but obviously works just as well with non-TED, non-PET computers too.

eslapion · Post by **eslapion** » Tue Feb 12, 2013 5:52 pm

pallas wrote:The question is: where can I find 5v somewhere else on the vic and how to connect.

A 5V source can be found on the VIC-20 on the following ports:
- User port
- Datasette port (the one you want to avoid)
- Video port
- Cartridge port
- Joystick port

Also, please note any powered USB hub's wallwart rated for 5Vdc can power the SD2IEC.

Mike · Post by **Mike** » Tue Feb 12, 2013 6:14 pm

eslapion wrote:- Video port

Pin #1 supplies an unstabilized voltage of +6 VDC from the rectified 9 VAC, which may be loaded with a maximum current of 10 mA.

pallas · Post by **pallas** » Wed Feb 13, 2013 2:52 am

Thanks everybody.
I could buy something like this:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Commodore-64-64 ... 0954197782

And take 5V from pin 2? And get a reset switch by the way

ldxstx · Post by **ldxstx** » Thu Feb 14, 2013 12:09 pm

Sorry for the OT post, but: Pallas welcome to Denial!

Happy to find some other Vic fan still active and just 70km away

orion70 · Post by **orion70** » Thu Feb 14, 2013 2:02 pm

You lucky guys - next to one of the most important retrocomputing gatherings in Italy:
http://www.vicenzapiu.com/leggi/vicenza ... lla-specie

eslapion · Post by **eslapion** » Thu Feb 14, 2013 3:05 pm

Mike wrote:
eslapion wrote:- Video port
Pin #1 supplies an unstabilized voltage of +6 VDC from the rectified 9 VAC, which may be loaded with a maximum current of 10 mA.

I was really puzzled at this comment because the schematics for the VIC-20cr says otherwise.

I looked at it and it seems what you say here is true for older VICs with 2 prong PSUs but not for later VICs with C64 style 7 pin DIN power supplies.

A quick check with a continuity tester indicates my own VIC-20cr has a continuity between video port pin 1 and the 5Vdc line of the cartridge port.

pallas · Post by **pallas** » Sat Feb 23, 2013 8:12 am

Hello! I've connected the 5v of the video port to the sd2iec and it works

Now I can use the datassette and the SD together.
Thanks everybody!

SkydivinGirl · Post by **SkydivinGirl** » Sat Feb 23, 2013 9:40 am

pallas wrote:EDIT: if it wasn't for 25$ shipping....

I'd be happy to be an intermediary for you. You could order a C2N Adapter but have it sent to my house. I could then drop it in the post to you. The total would probably be half the cost of Jim shipping it directly to you.

Good luck, no matter what you decide. Welcome to the forum!

Heather

pallas · Post by **pallas** » Sat Feb 23, 2013 11:24 am

Many thanks Heather, that's very kind.
I've managed to solve the problem by taking 5v from the video port, as suggested.
Back to soldering after 20 years was fun!
I'll keep your proposal for other purchases I may need to make in the future

Have a nice weekend