"For the two people actually watching this" Dude. You insane? This is freaking awesome. You should start mass producing these, my C64 supplies have been dying like flies recently.
Thanks! Yeah, the Commodore power supply's seem to die in masses these days. But start producing and selling these - Sadly nearly impossible. Just the CE / UL stuff is ridiculously complicated / expensive.
MindFlareRetro pointed me in your direction. Instantly subbed/followed etc. Impressive work and the first DIY C64 PSU I trust to be good. Thanks for sharing all necessary info to build this. Will do so soon, I think. :)
Such an impressive level of work. I really enjoyed how well you explained every step and showed us the design process and really broke it down. Extra points for the clean and professional workbench!
Wow! That was fantastic. The retro computer community has been tinkering around with replacement Commodore power supplies for ages, but your design and build is definitely the most professional and best looking I have personally seen to date. Very well done! And I have to say your electronics lab is most enviable. Thanks for sharing the schematics and BOM too. I would like to give this a go for myself but would require the 120VAC variant. Great channel -- subbed -- and will try to spread the word
Thanks, glad you liked it. An 120V AC Version would be not that big of a problem - the transformer already accepts 120V. You would only need to connect the 2 primary windings of the transformer in parallel instead of in series like i did. The bigger challenge would be, if you like to built it yourself, to get the parts. I, for the most part, used European manufacturers. Even though they used standard footprints, i don't know how readily available they (or a suitable replacement) would be in CA/USA.
I have downloaded your files, including the BOM -- thanks again for posting those, by the way -- I have taken a quick look and I'm not sure about some, but I haven't put too much effort into it yet. The Würth caps are actually a favourite of mine; I try to order those whenever possible for my C64 and Amiga recaps.
Greisis Workbench I just want to check and be sure that I’m making the proper modification here... But looking on your schematic, in order to make the connection to the primary windings parallel instead of series, I would want to cut the trace between pins 2 and 3, then solder a jumper wire from pin 1 to pin 3, and another jumper wire from pin 4 to pin 2, yes? So that, essentially, pin X1 on connector K1 is feeding pins 1 and 3, and pin X2 on connector K1 is feeding pins 2 and 4. Did I get that right?
I cyclically watch your video and every time it ends I applause. I simply have no words on how clean and professional your work is. One thumb up is not enough. I am eager to see more of your works, hope to see your lab tour as well!
Its a really nice and simple, and protected power supply, but keep in mind folks, as it is, this is designed specifically for European 230vac at 50 hz. The frequency in this case is not important but the input voltage is. The transformer being used, a Block FL30/9 has two 115 v primaries. By wiring the two primaries in series, as it is here, divides the 230 volts between the two 115v primaries, but to use this in the U.S. you would need to wire the two primaries in parallel. If you plug it into the wall (as it's built here) in a North American home with 115vac at 60 hz it will produce only 4.5 volts at the secondaries which is below the regulated voltage and below the 9vac needed for U.S. C64s. The PC board is designed to provide the U.S. version 9vac but the provision to select from 230 or 115 vac input I suspect is an oversight ... a face palm moment, but fairly easily fixed.
P.S. Greisis Workbench; I love your PCB design (software) graphic. I worked for a while for a satellite communication company as a technical graphic artist. I had to design the PC board layout by hand - like working out maze puzzles - and produce the photo negatives with mylar and black layout tape. What a difference 20 years makes in this industry. If you've looked at the U.S. C64 schematic you see that the 9vac is used to produce the Vcc 5v to power the digital ICs, and 12vdc used by the SID and VIC chips. The 9vac is rectified by a bridge, filtered and regulated by a 7805 and 7812 regulator all on the mother board. The 5 vdc from the external power supply is only used to power the timing circuits on the mother board - system clock, CIA timers, a 556 timer to produce the reset pulse for the CPU, and the SID external oscillator controls so a bit of ripple (
I got here through Jan Beta's channel. I subscribed because I'm a big c64 fan and I like learning about electronics. You have a solid approach by the look of it. I enjoyed watching this video.
That's a very versatile design that could be purposed for several vintage computers from Commodore, Atari, etc by changing a few key components and wiring up the proper output cable. US 120V and Euro 220V is fairly easy as well. Look at the transformer datasheet. Nice neat and clean. More importantly it works with nice clean power.
I have completed the 1541 II PSU, which can also be used for the Amiga CD32. Good engineering,will last longer than the old hardware that it powers ;-)
I payed 83 euro's for the c64 PSU, the 1541 II costs more, i did not calculate the components. Your price is about right I guess. It is somewhat expensive, but if you compare it to other after market quality custom made c64 and 1541 II PSU's it is reasonable.
HI Greisi, I have still finished the power supply. It's awesome. Thank you very much for this gorgeous project. I hope there is a lot further project will come.
The CLC pi filter (C3/C4/L1, C7/C8/L2) is there to suppress conducted EMI interference.
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Love these videos. Very informative, entertaining and have excellent video clarity :) Good job, subscribed! I wish i could have just half of your lab equipment.
Great little channel, Looks as though you are busy as not posted anything recently, Hope all is well? There are I am sure a lot of people holding their breath for the next thrilling video, please keep up the good work...
I had no idea that switched power supplies could be dangerous to the C64/1541. Given the comments, I'm not even going to attempt using the original power brick if I ever get to take my hardware out of storage. Would be nice if this project would be available as a kit. Thanks!
I loved your video for the technical detail but not tooooo tricky for someone whos not an engineer. I found the fast forward drilling strangely amusing. Buzzz buzzz done. Myself I have a non sealed original 64 power supply I fitted a simple but effective step down regulator board on the dc output so whatever rubbish comes off the old innards is regulated down to close to 5v. I am happy with that solution. I need to work something out for the 1541-2 though. I also have a 1541 with a built in supply that probably needs some work some time. You a pleasant presenter and you have some very nice test equipment. I look forward to more fo your videos.
Amazing job, I recently bought two commodore 128 and one came without PSU, so I had to build one, Like the c128 uses 5v 2.5A DC and 9v 1A AC, I used an old laptop PSU of 19.1v 2.1A and a XL4005 buck step down to get 5v dc and a transformer of 9v 1A for the AC output, it worked but the transformer got over heat, so I will have to change to another one of 2A output, I saw that you use 9v 1.6A, and I really love that transformer, never saw that kind here. Greetings from Argentina.
Hi Greisis, Thanks for posting this succinct and clear video, very nice work. It's great that you made it open-source. You have some really high-end equipment in your "home workshop" (I'm also an Electrical Engineer), I'm very jealous ;-)
In North America the Nintendo Entertainment System PSU is 9v AC even though the system immediately rectifies it to DC and is perfectly compatible with 9v DC. Problem is, it’s not 1A (850mA, IIRC). Still, might work if you aren’t powering your tape drive and all that off it.
Danke! Die Melodie ging mir auch durch den Kopf als ich diese elenden DIN Stecker gelötet habe - ich glaub ich habe 3 Anläufe gebraucht bis ich den dreh dann raus hatte :-) .
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Hi, great work. I have two questions please. What that bench tool you use while soldering? The big black one in front of you with the soldering cleaning sponges etc ?... And, how do you get the C64 Screen onto a laptops TFT?
Hi, Love the video. Watched it a long time ago and came back to it when I was thinking about my VIC20 PSU. Just wondering why you're using a 115v transformer and not a higher voltage one? at 5:24 you talk about the voltage coming in being 230v AC. I'm assuming that the transformer is a duel input of 115v AC, so putting one input of 230v AC across both inputs works fine? i.e. the same as if there were two inputs of 115v AC?
That's it. They basically just center tap the 230V trafo so that it can be used with both systems. You could even build a switching system in the case to flip a switch according to what country you happen to be in.
To me the 3 Amp TRS 3-1250 DC/DC converter seems to be an overkill. It is very expensive and not easy to buy. Go for the 2 Amp TSR 2-2450, it's half the price and would do the job as well.
Ich bin beeindruckt! Schönes Projekt, sauber präsentiert und Vorsichtsmaßnahmen beachtet: Trenntrafo und Schutzbrille sind nicht selbstverständlich... Was mir fehlt, ist ein Prüfen der Schutzmaßnahmen, also z.B. Auslösen der Sicherung bei Überlast. Kleiner Fehler: In den Plänen beim C64-Netzteil sind die Drahtbrücken anstelle des Gleichrichters im Wechselstromkreis gestrichelt gezeichnet, die sollten aber wohl nicht gestrichelt gezeichnet werden. Aber nichtsdestotrotz: Ich bin beeindruckt!
Danke, freut mich dass es Ihnen gefallen hat. Mit den gestrichelten Drahtbrücken war ich mir nicht so sicher, da sie je nach Variante (C64/1541) bestückt oder nicht bestückt werden müssen. Darum dachte ich mir, dass gestrichelt in dem Fall das kleinste Übel ist. Das Auslösen der Sicherungen habe ich in dem Fall nicht getestet (Shame on me) - hier habe ich mich an die Herstellerangaben vom Trafo gehalten (Sollte hoffentlich reichen). Was ich noch off camera gemacht habe war ein Kurzschlusstest nach dem DC/DC Wandler (In dem Fall hat dieser abgeschaltet und in den Hick-up Betrieb gewechselt) und einen Isolationstest zwischen Primär und Sekundär mit 1kV.
Were they worried about people copying the power supply design? RCA back when they introduced the first superhet receivers they feared people copying the design so much that they wired everything to a frame and potted it in rosin.
Hi There,I am sure everyone will be impressed with your technical abilties. also your lab is very good. Please could you consider supplying COMPONENTS, PCB, PLUGS, CABLES, BOXES as a kit? I am willing to solder and build the kit. ALSO will this PSU work in 240 VOLT countries like Australia?. Please consider supplying kit with components, thanks, Syed Rizvi
The PSU would also work 240V mains. Creating a kit is much work and takes a lot of time - sadly I'm currently very busy with other projects so i won't have the time for it. And besides that making a kit here in Europe is very expensive (especially in small volume) - and I doubt anyone would pay that much for a simple PSU. I'm really sorry.
One question Greisis about the PCB, which file do you use and which company did you used to make your PCBs for these PSUs ? I'm not used to make built PCBs by companies.... Thanks :)
awesome setup.. very well done.. wish I was clever enough to do what you just did.. I have 3 C64s which are all in need of some maintenance and not sure if the PSUs are still good enough today to do the job.. I have an original 1541 as well and would love to get them all going again.
Just found out about your work through an online forum, this is excellent! It's very elegant because you're mirroring the voltage rails and simply adjusting for the voltage and AC/DC requirements. I do not know if you mentioned it in the video - how much current could you pull, maximum, from each power rail? Would the same PSU be able to give 2.5A to a Commodore 128?
The absolute maximum rating for the 5VDC rail is 3A and for the 9VAC rail is 1A which in theory could supply an C128. The only thing that could be a problem is the rectifier - it could run a little hot so you would need to install a heatsink or/and use a schottky rectifier with a lower voltage drop to reduce the dissipated power. At least in theory that is - I (sadly) have no C128 to test it.
Nice work !! I still like the crowbar idea though ! Do you have any particular crowbar circuits that could be implemented, for AC & DC ?? I still cringe at the thought of Smoking a SID, every time I hit the switch !!
Kenneth Sörling, the C64 display on the MacBook Air is probably some sort of S-Video-to-USB or Composite-to-USB video capture device. It appears to have a lot of delay between hitting the C64 keys and getting the screen to update on the MacBook Air.
just that the c64 psu is supposed to supply +5v DC and 9V AC. which must come from different coils on the transformer (it does that bit right tho, but it provides 2x DC ;) ah. wait. for the C64 "version" you just leave the DC rectification out.. ic :P
Hi Matie, After some advice if possible before I have to put some work in... I have tried sending the Gerber files to EuroCircuit but they are having a problem opening them, I have tried to get my head around the Target software but it seems a tad hard at the moment, Is there a way to export Gerbers in a different format? I have found that you can send for a quote from Wurths from the software itself (really good feature), and will wait to hear from them but in the mean while I may have to start re-designing this from scratch in Proteus which I do know and understand, but was hoping to get a quicker solution... By the way, Best video series ever, really well done and really like your work ethics - PLEASE post some more...
Instant sub. You should do a large run of these, they'd sell like hotcakes. For guys who take their C64s to retro events, and the demoscene guys for example, these would be awesome PSU's to have - even better if you could employ an input voltage selector. It would be awesome if you could merge them together too. Sorry, I'm rambling on. I love the look of the PCB vice with component clamp, would you mind telling me what it is? It's probably too expensive for me, but I'd still like to know, thank you.
Thanks! The PCB holder is a Weller ESF 120 and yes - it is totally overpriced for what it is, but I have yet to see something similar which is just as good as this one. And selling these - Sadly nearly impossible. Just the CE / UL stuff is ridiculously complicated / expensive. Even as a kit - I think I could not sleep well knowing that maybe someone is actually getting hurt by building one or by it actually catching fire :-/ .
Can you give some information of the equipment you use (especially to generate load)? But also in general. Would also like a "tour" in your workshop :-)
Hi, the loads were a BK Precision 8500 (120V/30A) for DC and a Statron 3229.0 (75V/50A) + 3228.0 for AC and DC. Both are very nice units (Especially the Statron - that thing is built like a tank). Maybe in a few days i get to make a list of my equipment and a few pictures of my workshop and put it on my blog.
The transformer is rated for 30VA. Most SMPS have got an Y-Class capacitor between line and the secondary output. These are used to reduce the EMI emissions of the power supply to pass FCC (and all the other) regulations. The downside of them is, that they present a finite impedance between line and the output so that the output is floating around half of the mains voltage in respect to mains earth. If you now touch something connected to the secondary side of the power supply a small leakage current is flowing through your body and mains earth. For a human this is harmless, but if you would touch for example one of the card edge connectors of an C64 the leakage current could damage the IC's.
What a nice build. Thanks for sharing. C64 PSU's are quite easy to get by, still, but C128 PSU's are just about impossible to get at. Wonder if you'd care to do a follow up for the C128?
I love your power supply but there are two issues I've considered. 1. Getting these parts in the U.S. 2. The challenge and cost of ordering a PCB. Cost is a huge deal since if it's going to cost as much as one of Ray's units, I might as well just buy one of those and honestly, paying $80+ USD's for something like that isn't attractive. Now, you mentioned you didn't like switching power supplied due to if someone touches an area of the circuit that it could discharge and ruin the C64, but is that the only reason why you don't like them? The reason why I ask is that the circuit is in an enclosure and even if I were to open it up, chances are it would be hooked up to the computer so I think this risk is very low. As far as the switching power supplies, most of the parts cost seem pretty low. I can build this stuff but when it comes to understanding how one circuit is better over another, I depend on the kindness of strangers to explain this stuff to me. :-)
Very nice video, if you force me to comment then maybe I would have used a larger gauge wire on the output, especially as you seem to have made the cable longer.
Any chance of a updated PCB with a more readily available transformer and the ability to switch between parallel and serial for the US 115 volt mains or European 230?
Hi! I thought about using Retrobright, but I decided against it - that thing was yellow / brown as far back as I can remember and I think I like to keep it that way :-). I also thought of using solvents do dissolve the brown epoxy - but all the chemicals I tried where either to aggressive (eat away the case) or would simply do anything.
Hallo. Die Platine kann man bei jedem PCB Hersteller fertigen lassen (PCB Pool, Euro Circuits, ...). Ich habe meine bei WEDirekt fertigen lassen. Die Layout Dateien (.T3001 bzw. die Gerbers) sind unter dem Video verlinkt.
Worauf man doch so alles stößt wenn man sich wild durch TH-cam wühlt ;-) Schicke Netzteile! Trau mich gar nicht meine alten Original Commodore NTs einzustecken, die waren früher schon eine Katastrophe. Sind 10,x V nicht ein bisschen viel auf der 9 V Leitung?
Hallo! Die 10.xV sind nur im Leerlauf - unter last geht es dann schon eher Richtung 9V. Wenn man ein paar 100mV darüber liegt ist auch nicht so kritisch.
Danke für die Antwort! :-) Ich hatte immer die +-10% im Kopf, daher die Frage. Hoffe wir bekommen mal wieder etwas Neues zu sehen, deine Videos gefielen mir!
Why not 1 power supply and 2 output connectors for both c64 and 1541 ? I thought it was going to be that way. Btw nice video. And to bad they are not for sale.
I tried uploading the XGerber.zip to DirtyPCBs : the file is invalid. Can someone help with this ? I can assemble this thing, but want to be sure I don't order the PCB wrong...
I am a bit jealous of your clean, tidy, organised and evidently very well stocked workbench.
"For the two people actually watching this" Dude. You insane? This is freaking awesome. You should start mass producing these, my C64 supplies have been dying like flies recently.
Thanks! Yeah, the Commodore power supply's seem to die in masses these days. But start producing and selling these - Sadly nearly impossible. Just the CE / UL stuff is ridiculously complicated / expensive.
How about selling it as a kit? Bare PCB with a bag of components, does that still have to comply with CE and UL and other certifications?
He is not insane, his mother got him tested.
MindFlareRetro pointed me in your direction. Instantly subbed/followed etc. Impressive work and the first DIY C64 PSU I trust to be good. Thanks for sharing all necessary info to build this. Will do so soon, I think. :)
Give us a tour of your lab, it looks so clean and organized.
Such an impressive level of work. I really enjoyed how well you explained every step and showed us the design process and really broke it down. Extra points for the clean and professional workbench!
Wow! That was fantastic. The retro computer community has been tinkering around with replacement Commodore power supplies for ages, but your design and build is definitely the most professional and best looking I have personally seen to date. Very well done! And I have to say your electronics lab is most enviable.
Thanks for sharing the schematics and BOM too. I would like to give this a go for myself but would require the 120VAC variant.
Great channel -- subbed -- and will try to spread the word
Thanks, glad you liked it.
An 120V AC Version would be not that big of a problem - the transformer already accepts 120V. You would only need to connect the 2 primary windings of the transformer in parallel instead of in series like i did.
The bigger challenge would be, if you like to built it yourself, to get the parts. I, for the most part, used European manufacturers. Even though they used standard footprints, i don't know how readily available they (or a suitable replacement) would be in CA/USA.
I have downloaded your files, including the BOM -- thanks again for posting those, by the way -- I have taken a quick look and I'm not sure about some, but I haven't put too much effort into it yet. The Würth caps are actually a favourite of mine; I try to order those whenever possible for my C64 and Amiga recaps.
Greisis Workbench I just want to check and be sure that I’m making the proper modification here... But looking on your schematic, in order to make the connection to the primary windings parallel instead of series, I would want to cut the trace between pins 2 and 3, then solder a jumper wire from pin 1 to pin 3, and another jumper wire from pin 4 to pin 2, yes? So that, essentially, pin X1 on connector K1 is feeding pins 1 and 3, and pin X2 on connector K1 is feeding pins 2 and 4. Did I get that right?
What a quality video. Hope you keep putting out C64/retro content like this!
Ordered parts 1 year ago and build it yesterday. works really well. thank you Greisis.
I cyclically watch your video and every time it ends I applause. I simply have no words on how clean and professional your work is.
One thumb up is not enough.
I am eager to see more of your works, hope to see your lab tour as well!
Amazing! Subbed. Thank you for making everything available so people can build the PSUs themselves.
Its a really nice and simple, and protected power supply, but keep in mind folks, as it is, this is designed specifically for European 230vac at 50 hz. The frequency in this case is not important but the input voltage is. The transformer being used, a Block FL30/9 has two 115 v primaries. By wiring the two primaries in series, as it is here, divides the 230 volts between the two 115v primaries, but to use this in the U.S. you would need to wire the two primaries in parallel. If you plug it into the wall (as it's built here) in a North American home with 115vac at 60 hz it will produce only 4.5 volts at the secondaries which is below the regulated voltage and below the 9vac needed for U.S. C64s. The PC board is designed to provide the U.S. version 9vac but the provision to select from 230 or 115 vac input I suspect is an oversight ... a face palm moment, but fairly easily fixed.
P.S. Greisis Workbench; I love your PCB design (software) graphic. I worked for a while for a satellite communication company as a technical graphic artist. I had to design the PC board layout by hand - like working out maze puzzles - and produce the photo negatives with mylar and black layout tape. What a difference 20 years makes in this industry.
If you've looked at the U.S. C64 schematic you see that the 9vac is used to produce the Vcc 5v to power the digital ICs, and 12vdc used by the SID and VIC chips. The 9vac is rectified by a bridge, filtered and regulated by a 7805 and 7812 regulator all on the mother board. The 5 vdc from the external power supply is only used to power the timing circuits on the mother board - system clock, CIA timers, a 556 timer to produce the reset pulse for the CPU, and the SID external oscillator controls so a bit of ripple (
Put them on kickstarter would be great to be able to buy a new power supply for the C64
I got here through Jan Beta's channel. I subscribed because I'm a big c64 fan and I like learning about electronics. You have a solid approach by the look of it. I enjoyed watching this video.
I have completed the C64 PSU. Amazing work and video. Thank you, sir!
I really appreciate you taking the time to make this video for us, you helped more than 2 people for sure :). Thanks again
I’ve built it and works like a charm. Thanks!
Thank you so much for sharing your awesome design with all of us. I just built one to give a C64 a new life.
Guy is a legend built his own power supply
Nice design and very cool soldering station. And that PCB is gorgeous! Very professional - you have clearly done this before.
That's a very versatile design that could be purposed for several vintage computers from Commodore, Atari, etc by changing a few key components and wiring up the proper output cable.
US 120V and Euro 220V is fairly easy as well. Look at the transformer datasheet.
Nice neat and clean. More importantly it works with nice clean power.
I have completed the 1541 II PSU, which can also be used for the Amiga CD32. Good engineering,will last longer than the old hardware that it powers ;-)
I payed 83 euro's for the c64 PSU, the 1541 II costs more, i did not calculate the components. Your price is about right I guess. It is somewhat expensive, but if you compare it to other after market quality custom made c64 and 1541 II PSU's it is reasonable.
@K's Retro Computers You get what you pay for. Cheap is just that. This isn't a cheap power supply.
Yes, build it, measure it, explain it, show it, fix it...
Nice video!
HI Greisi, I have still finished the power supply. It's awesome. Thank you very much for this gorgeous project. I hope there is a lot further project will come.
exactly the project im looking for, thanks for sharing your work
That is a VERY nice power supply build!
Your lab is amazing.
The TH-cam algorithm sent me here, this time it was relevant content. So I have subscribed.
The CLC pi filter (C3/C4/L1, C7/C8/L2) is there to suppress conducted EMI interference.
Love these videos. Very informative, entertaining and have excellent video clarity :) Good job, subscribed! I wish i could have just half of your lab equipment.
Super gemacht - Danke fürs teilen - läuft wie ein Kätzchen!
Great little channel, Looks as though you are busy as not posted anything recently, Hope all is well? There are I am sure a lot of people holding their breath for the next thrilling video, please keep up the good work...
I came here for the PSU design but.. hot damn that workbench is C L E A N! ;)
I had no idea that switched power supplies could be dangerous to the C64/1541.
Given the comments, I'm not even going to attempt using the original power brick if I ever get to take my hardware out of storage. Would be nice if this project would be available as a kit. Thanks!
Awesome Work ... I really like your bench ... very impressive ... thanks a lot for sharing your material ... I will definitely build one. 👍
Huge skills and awesome job you did. Very compliments. Cheers, Mark
I loved your video for the technical detail but not tooooo tricky for someone whos not an engineer. I found the fast forward drilling strangely amusing. Buzzz buzzz done. Myself I have a non sealed original 64 power supply I fitted a simple but effective step down regulator board on the dc output so whatever rubbish comes off the old innards is regulated down to close to 5v. I am happy with that solution. I need to work something out for the 1541-2 though. I also have a 1541 with a built in supply that probably needs some work some time. You a pleasant presenter and you have some very nice test equipment. I look forward to more fo your videos.
Awesome seeing you work!
Amazing.... i am just shocked about the excellent equipment you have!!
Great job. Those transformers are a bit pricy though. I just used the transformer from a 9vac 1A AC adapter I had kicking around.
Amazing job, I recently bought two commodore 128 and one came without PSU, so I had to build one, Like the c128 uses 5v 2.5A DC and 9v 1A AC, I used an old laptop PSU of 19.1v 2.1A and a XL4005 buck step down to get 5v dc and a transformer of 9v 1A for the AC output, it worked but the transformer got over heat, so I will have to change to another one of 2A output, I saw that you use 9v 1.6A, and I really love that transformer, never saw that kind here. Greetings from Argentina.
Hi Greisis, Thanks for posting this succinct and clear video, very nice work. It's great that you made it open-source. You have some really high-end equipment in your "home workshop" (I'm also an Electrical Engineer), I'm very jealous ;-)
This is awesome! You are very good at explaining what's going on. And I envy your lab!! Wow :)
A brilliant video. :)
I hope you will continue making videos again. these are excellent
In North America the Nintendo Entertainment System PSU is 9v AC even though the system immediately rectifies it to DC and is perfectly compatible with 9v DC. Problem is, it’s not 1A (850mA, IIRC). Still, might work if you aren’t powering your tape drive and all that off it.
You have mad skills man. Awesome! I wish I could create / build something like that.
Great workbench! Very good video. Thanx for sharing.
Great video! Just what I was looking for. 👍👍
Love it mate! Just wish I had one for my PSU-less C64 lol :D
Keep the videos coming!
Wait, on the 12V section you're using a full bridge rectifier just like on the 5V line. Will IC2 output a 12v AC??
The pcb is for c64 and 1541 disk drive. For c64 omit the whole 12V DC section and replace it with 9V AC directly from the power transformer.
Really impressive workshop.
Excellent work! This is the first time I watched you videos. How did you connect the Commodore 64 video out to your laptop ?
Thanks! I used an Elgato EyeTV250. Sadly they don't make them anymore :-(
Schönes Video, bei den Zeitrafferaufnahmen ging mir ständig die Benny Hill Titelmelodie durch den Kopf ;)
Danke! Die Melodie ging mir auch durch den Kopf als ich diese elenden DIN Stecker gelötet habe - ich glaub ich habe 3 Anläufe gebraucht bis ich den dreh dann raus hatte :-) .
Hi, great work. I have two questions please. What that bench tool you use while soldering? The big black one in front of you with the soldering cleaning sponges etc ?... And, how do you get the C64 Screen onto a laptops TFT?
Hi, Love the video. Watched it a long time ago and came back to it when I was thinking about my VIC20 PSU.
Just wondering why you're using a 115v transformer and not a higher voltage one? at 5:24 you talk about the voltage coming in being 230v AC.
I'm assuming that the transformer is a duel input of 115v AC, so putting one input of 230v AC across both inputs works fine? i.e. the same as if there were two inputs of 115v AC?
That's it. They basically just center tap the 230V trafo so that it can be used with both systems. You could even build a switching system in the case to flip a switch according to what country you happen to be in.
To me the 3 Amp TRS 3-1250 DC/DC converter seems to be an overkill. It is very expensive and not easy to buy. Go for the 2 Amp TSR 2-2450, it's half the price and would do the job as well.
Ich bin beeindruckt! Schönes Projekt, sauber präsentiert und Vorsichtsmaßnahmen beachtet: Trenntrafo und Schutzbrille sind nicht selbstverständlich... Was mir fehlt, ist ein Prüfen der Schutzmaßnahmen, also z.B. Auslösen der Sicherung bei Überlast. Kleiner Fehler: In den Plänen beim C64-Netzteil sind die Drahtbrücken anstelle des Gleichrichters im Wechselstromkreis gestrichelt gezeichnet, die sollten aber wohl nicht gestrichelt gezeichnet werden. Aber nichtsdestotrotz: Ich bin beeindruckt!
Danke, freut mich dass es Ihnen gefallen hat.
Mit den gestrichelten Drahtbrücken war ich mir nicht so sicher, da sie je nach Variante (C64/1541) bestückt oder nicht bestückt werden müssen. Darum dachte ich mir, dass gestrichelt in dem Fall das kleinste Übel ist.
Das Auslösen der Sicherungen habe ich in dem Fall nicht getestet (Shame on me) - hier habe ich mich an die Herstellerangaben vom Trafo gehalten (Sollte hoffentlich reichen). Was ich noch off camera gemacht habe war ein Kurzschlusstest nach dem DC/DC Wandler (In dem Fall hat dieser abgeschaltet und in den Hick-up Betrieb gewechselt) und einen Isolationstest zwischen Primär und Sekundär mit 1kV.
Enjoyed your video
Were they worried about people copying the power supply design? RCA back when they introduced the first superhet receivers they feared people copying the design so much that they wired everything to a frame and potted it in rosin.
That is simply amazing!
Hi There,I am sure everyone will be impressed with your technical abilties. also your lab is very good. Please could you consider supplying COMPONENTS, PCB, PLUGS, CABLES, BOXES as a kit? I am willing to solder and build the kit. ALSO will this PSU work in 240 VOLT countries like Australia?. Please consider supplying kit with components, thanks, Syed Rizvi
The PSU would also work 240V mains. Creating a kit is much work and takes a lot of time - sadly I'm currently very busy with other projects so i won't have the time for it. And besides that making a kit here in Europe is very expensive (especially in small volume) - and I doubt anyone would pay that much for a simple PSU. I'm really sorry.
One question Greisis about the PCB, which file do you use and which company did you used to make your PCBs for these PSUs ? I'm not used to make built PCBs by companies.... Thanks :)
Thanks you very much for these explanations :) I live in France, so the PCB layout is 230 volts, since we use that here :)
Hey Greisis. Your google drive files seem to be locked. I was looking for the BoM to check out the VDRs you used on tbe 9v side
awesome setup.. very well done.. wish I was clever enough to do what you just did.. I have 3 C64s which are all in need of some maintenance and not sure if the PSUs are still good enough today to do the job.. I have an original 1541 as well and would love to get them all going again.
Excellent work! I would have added a sexy L.E.D. and a power switch, but otherwise, very efficient and clean. Subscribed!
You can still add them; they don't need to be on the pcb.
Your PCB holder is awesome! I want one!! Please can you point me in the direction of who makes/sells it. Many thanks.
Darren Cowasaki, I don't know if you've already found one of these PCB holders, but if it helps, it is a Weller ESF120.
Thank you! ...now to acquire my bill of materials.
Can you help me understand why there would be an 80-90V leak through a SMPS? How do you determine those numbers?
Grüß dich Greisis Workbench. Kan ich so ein Netzteil bei dir kaufen ?
Just found out about your work through an online forum, this is excellent! It's very elegant because you're mirroring the voltage rails and simply adjusting for the voltage and AC/DC requirements.
I do not know if you mentioned it in the video - how much current could you pull, maximum, from each power rail? Would the same PSU be able to give 2.5A to a Commodore 128?
The absolute maximum rating for the 5VDC rail is 3A and for the 9VAC rail is 1A which in theory could supply an C128. The only thing that could be a problem is the rectifier - it could run a little hot so you would need to install a heatsink or/and use a schottky rectifier with a lower voltage drop to reduce the dissipated power. At least in theory that is - I (sadly) have no C128 to test it.
Thank you!
Wish we could get a list of the parts available from eBay for people on the other side of the earth with no access to decent electronics stores.
Great videos! Thank you!
Amazing build! 👍
Nice work !! I still like the crowbar idea though ! Do you have any particular crowbar circuits that could be implemented, for AC & DC ?? I still cringe at the thought of Smoking a SID, every time I hit the switch !!
May I ask where did you get that PCB holder? (At 11:50 and onwards). I could really use that in my lab too :)
How did you get the C64 display screen onto the laptop? That would be handy to know.
Kenneth Sörling, the C64 display on the MacBook Air is probably some sort of S-Video-to-USB or Composite-to-USB video capture device. It appears to have a lot of delay between hitting the C64 keys and getting the screen to update on the MacBook Air.
just that the c64 psu is supposed to supply +5v DC and 9V AC. which must come from different coils on the transformer (it does that bit right tho, but it provides 2x DC ;) ah. wait. for the C64 "version" you just leave the DC rectification out.. ic :P
Hi Matie, After some advice if possible before I have to put some work in... I have tried sending the Gerber files to EuroCircuit but they are having a problem opening them, I have tried to get my head around the Target software but it seems a tad hard at the moment, Is there a way to export Gerbers in a different format? I have found that you can send for a quote from Wurths from the software itself (really good feature), and will wait to hear from them but in the mean while I may have to start re-designing this from scratch in Proteus which I do know and understand, but was hoping to get a quicker solution... By the way, Best video series ever, really well done and really like your work ethics - PLEASE post some more...
I ordered three pcb's at OSH park, I might want to sell the ones I do not use.
Very nice! I would very much like to get my hands on these PSUs. Any chance you would be taking orders or supplying a DIY kit?
Instant sub. You should do a large run of these, they'd sell like hotcakes. For guys who take their C64s to retro events, and the demoscene guys for example, these would be awesome PSU's to have - even better if you could employ an input voltage selector. It would be awesome if you could merge them together too. Sorry, I'm rambling on.
I love the look of the PCB vice with component clamp, would you mind telling me what it is? It's probably too expensive for me, but I'd still like to know, thank you.
Thanks! The PCB holder is a Weller ESF 120 and yes - it is totally overpriced for what it is, but I have yet to see something similar which is just as good as this one.
And selling these - Sadly nearly impossible. Just the CE / UL stuff is ridiculously complicated / expensive. Even as a kit - I think I could not sleep well knowing that maybe someone is actually getting hurt by building one or by it actually catching fire :-/ .
Can you give some information of the equipment you use (especially to generate load)? But also in general.
Would also like a "tour" in your workshop :-)
Hi,
the loads were a BK Precision 8500 (120V/30A) for DC and a Statron 3229.0 (75V/50A) + 3228.0 for AC and DC. Both are very nice units (Especially the Statron - that thing is built like a tank).
Maybe in a few days i get to make a list of my equipment and a few pictures of my workshop and put it on my blog.
How could I get access to the schematics and the PCB? It requires access approval, but I did not get an answer…
Am I the only one seeing the forbidden fan on the schematics, at the transformer secondary?
This is not a fan.
Great design. I have looked at these dual 9V trafos bwfore. What VA rating? btw what is the purpose of the primary to secondary caps in SMPS?
The transformer is rated for 30VA. Most SMPS have got an Y-Class capacitor between line and the secondary output. These are used to reduce the EMI emissions of the power supply to pass FCC (and all the other) regulations. The downside of them is, that they present a finite impedance between line and the output so that the output is floating around half of the mains voltage in respect to mains earth. If you now touch something connected to the secondary side of the power supply a small leakage current is flowing through your body and mains earth. For a human this is harmless, but if you would touch for example one of the card edge connectors of an C64 the leakage current could damage the IC's.
Good call ! :) Makes sense.
excellent video. thank you
What a nice build. Thanks for sharing. C64 PSU's are quite easy to get by, still, but C128 PSU's are just about impossible to get at. Wonder if you'd care to do a follow up for the C128?
This PSU can easily handle C128. You just need a different plug.
I love your power supply but there are two issues I've considered.
1. Getting these parts in the U.S.
2. The challenge and cost of ordering a PCB.
Cost is a huge deal since if it's going to cost as much as one of Ray's units, I might as well just buy one of those and honestly, paying $80+ USD's for something like that isn't attractive.
Now, you mentioned you didn't like switching power supplied due to if someone touches an area of the circuit that it could discharge and ruin the C64, but is that the only reason why you don't like them? The reason why I ask is that the circuit is in an enclosure and even if I were to open it up, chances are it would be hooked up to the computer so I think this risk is very low.
As far as the switching power supplies, most of the parts cost seem pretty low.
I can build this stuff but when it comes to understanding how one circuit is better over another, I depend on the kindness of strangers to explain this stuff to me. :-)
Very nice video, if you force me to comment then maybe I would have used a larger gauge wire on the output, especially as you seem to have made the cable longer.
FINE JOB DUDE.
It may need a small cooler just in case 🤔
+On/Off switch might also be essential 🙂
By the way... How much does it cost to own x1 C64 adapter?🙄
Any chance of a updated PCB with a more readily available transformer and the ability to switch between parallel and serial for the US 115 volt mains or European 230?
I have ordered and received the pcb's, but they appear 0.8 mm with thicker copper . Is that safe to use?
Any plans on doing a Retrobright on the chassis? Also, it should be possible to chemically de-pot the old PSUs with a solvent.
Hi! I thought about using Retrobright, but I decided against it - that thing was yellow / brown as far back as I can remember and I think I like to keep it that way :-). I also thought of using solvents do dissolve the brown epoxy - but all the chemicals I tried where either to aggressive (eat away the case) or would simply do anything.
Echt tolles Projekt. Es ist sehr beeindruckend. Wo kann man die Platine beziehen?
Hallo. Die Platine kann man bei jedem PCB Hersteller fertigen lassen (PCB Pool, Euro Circuits, ...). Ich habe meine bei WEDirekt fertigen lassen. Die Layout Dateien (.T3001 bzw. die Gerbers) sind unter dem Video verlinkt.
Vielen Dank für diesen Tipp. Kannst Du etwas zu den Kosten sagen?
Ah, ich glaube, ich habe es gefunden. Der Preis ist ok.
damn good equipment!
Great work and amazing video.
could you please provide a link for the box of the PSU and the strain release connectors?
thnx
thnx 👍
Worauf man doch so alles stößt wenn man sich wild durch TH-cam wühlt ;-)
Schicke Netzteile! Trau mich gar nicht meine alten Original Commodore NTs einzustecken, die waren früher schon eine Katastrophe.
Sind 10,x V nicht ein bisschen viel auf der 9 V Leitung?
Hallo! Die 10.xV sind nur im Leerlauf - unter last geht es dann schon eher Richtung 9V. Wenn man ein paar 100mV darüber liegt ist auch nicht so kritisch.
Danke für die Antwort! :-) Ich hatte immer die +-10% im Kopf, daher die Frage.
Hoffe wir bekommen mal wieder etwas Neues zu sehen, deine Videos gefielen mir!
Why not 1 power supply and 2 output connectors for both c64 and 1541 ? I thought it was going to be that way. Btw nice video. And to bad they are not for sale.
The C64 requires 5VDC and 9VAC and the 1541 requires 5VDC and 12VDC. So 2 Power supplies with different voltage rails are needed.
I tried uploading the XGerber.zip to DirtyPCBs : the file is invalid. Can someone help with this ? I can assemble this thing, but want to be sure I don't order the PCB wrong...