C128 PSU - Europe

[Wally]

Hi!
I have bought a C128 flat but without PSU
I live in Europe (Greece) and I cannot find one in Ebay (co.uk,de).

Is there any alternatives?
I mean can a PC / C64 / Amiga500 PSU with modifications be used?

Thanx in advance!

[SmallCleverDinosaur]

Any PSU can be used as long as it provides +5v DC and 9v AC, because that's what the C128 needs. It needs both in order to function.

You can find the layout of the power connector here.

[Wally]

Thanx for your answer!
I was under the impression that C128 is very "picky" concerning the PSU.

I think that a PC PSU provides both 5V and 9V...at least I hope

Another question...is the 5pin PSU plug propiertary or can it be found in "electronics" shops?

[SmallCleverDinosaur]

I don't know how picky it is but I don't think that 5V and 9V from it's own supply or from another will matter. It's not that picky

It might get somewhat difficult to find the power connector, I don't think it's a standard connector. I just checked the PSU of my Amiga 500 and it looks similiar to the one for the C128 but they are not interchangeable. The PSU for the Amiga produces +5v and +12v. However, the connector that plugs into the computer is the same as that of a C128 PSU so at least you can use that

BTW, be sure to check that the PSU you will use is powerful enough (i.e can produce the needed current) to drive the C128. To make things easier for you I've taken a picture of my C128 PSU (click to enlarge).

You can also try and search ebay for "commodore netzteil", that's the German word for PSU. A PSU for the C128 can be found there from time to time.

[Wally]

thanx a lot!

A friend of mine told me, that a C64 PSU can be used with a proper modding in the c128 motherboard plug.
The difference is 2W.
I do not if it is true though...

[airship]

A C64 PSU will barely power a C64 on a good day. Please don't try to use it for a C128.

[Wally]

Can I use an internal C128D psu in a C128? (as external of course! )

[zap]

Can I use an internal C128D psu in a C128? (as external of course! )

Yes. The c128d is of a higher rating as it drives the internal floppy drive as well.
I have seen this done by placing it into a metal box and adding a c128 lead and plug.
Remember to earth the metal case by screwing the green earth lead to the metal case as well.

Airship is 100% correct you can not use a c64 power supply, but a c128 power pack makes a great c64 power supply. as used on c64web.com as it runs 24/7

[RobertB]

The c128d is of a higher rating as it drives the internal floppy drive as well.

Here in North America, the C128DCR uses a power supply of 4.4 amps @ 5 volts, compared to the external C128 p.s. of 4.3 amps @ 5 volts.

              Had to replace one of those some time ago,
              Robert Bernardo
              Fresno Commodore User Group
              http://videocam.net.au/fcug
              July 25-26 Commodore Vegas Expo - http://www.portcommodore.com/commvex

[carlsson]

It might get somewhat difficult to find the power connector, I don't think it's a standard connector.

I believe once I have seen an online electronics reseller claiming to have those five pin square connectors suitable for the C128 and Amiga. However I don't think they had any designation what it is known as. Furthermore I can't recall at what website I saw it, but it was one year ago or so.

As you may have seen, people with broken Amigas and/or power supplies sometimes cut off the cable and sell that loose for good money on the auction sites, intended for those building their own heavy duty power supplies.