Owners of a C64 using an original power supply should regularly (for example, once a year) check the 5V DC function of their power supplies, as they tend to produce higher voltages as they wear out (linear regulator shifts out of specs!) . Because the C64 almost directly uses the 5V to power its chips, higher voltages can become dangerous for the Commodore 64.
Now back to the story.
Another save from the local flea market, a Commodore C-64 power supply.
Commodore 64C & C64GS PSU #3 (Part №251053–11)
To determine it’s condition, my friend and I conducted a“smoke test”. Basically we just plugged it in the power and waited to see what will happen. Luckily no smoke escaped this one, it’s always difficult to get it back in. :)
Smoke test at my friends place, who has a very nicely equipped laboratory. The light bulb is there to take the shock if there is any short circuit.
Since there was no short circuit, we have measured the values on the pin-out with a multi-meter, which gave the expected values.
Pinout
T200mA power fuse
There is also a power fuse on some models of the power brick, which is worth checking if you’re having any problems.
And a mandatory look at the declaration.
Now that we have determined that this piece of history still works, it will wait in storage for its own C-64 to power. Another successful save of computer history.
Modern power supplies
To be a responsible owner of a vintage machine try to plug it to a modern power supply. This has numerous advantages:
protection against over voltage
protection against spikes
more stable output
lower operating temperature
For commodore 64 these are the most common ones:
The most quality and popular ones are from Ray Carlsen (if you’re in US and Canada):
Or a more DIY approach:
This will enhance the lifetime of your machine as it greatly reduces wear on passive elements.
There are also open source variants that you can build yourself:
Some more sources on C-64 power supplies:
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