Considering a PAL C128 in North America. Is it worth it?

[orospakr]

Hey,

I'd be interested in acquiring a C128 in the PAL configuration, since most demos and sidtunes for both the C128 and C64 seem to have originated from Europe and as such run best on PAL hardware.  For that matter, is it a good idea to use a PAL C128's 64 mode for watching the large body of C64 demoscene stuff?  All of my existing commies are NTSC, and I do not yet have a C128, hence my interest.

However, it appears that properly running this machine in North America is a tricky business, and not because of the display format.  As far as I know, most modern HDTVs can swallow a PAL video signal just fine.  My real concern is power; the C128 power arrangement calls for 9VAC in particular, which of course on most PSUs will have the frequency of the AC mains supply.  So, it seems that this is a bit more complicated than just plugging the thing into a US C128 power brick, since 9VAC will be oscillating at 60 Hz instead of 50.  Apparently this is used a timing source for a few components (as discussed here: http://landover.no-ip.com/forums/index.php?topic=2597.0)

What do you guys think?

Cheers!

PS.  I do not, in fact, use Windows: I use GNU/Linux.

[airship]

PS.  I do not, in fact, use Windows: I use GNU/Linux.

Lance's little joke - you get an insulting ranking until you have a gazillion posts.

[RobertB]

However, it appears that properly running this machine in North America is a tricky business, and not because of the display format.  As far as I know, most modern HDTVs can swallow a PAL video signal just fine.

Some HDTVs will; some won't.

My real concern is power; the C128 power arrangement calls for 9VAC in particular, which of course on most PSUs will have the frequency of the AC mains supply.  So, it seems that this is a bit more complicated than just plugging the thing into a US C128 power brick, since 9VAC will be oscillating at 60 Hz instead of 50.  Apparently this is used a timing source for a few components (as discussed here: http://landover.no-ip.com/forums/index.php?topic=2597.0)

Though I have a PAL C128D, I have never converted it over to North American 120 volts, 60 Hz..  That being said, my experience with running a PAL Plus4 here with a 120 V, 60 Hz. power supply has been positive.  Using a small Magnavox LCD t.v./monitor which is compatible with both NTSC and PAL, the PAL Plus4 ran its PAL games well.

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