Amiga.org
Amiga computer related discussion => Amiga Hardware Issues and discussion => Topic started by: captainmoomoo on October 01, 2011, 05:17:35 PM
-
Hi,
I have an A4000 from the UK, but now I live in North America. The question is, is it possible to convert my PSU from 220V to 110V, or do I need to buy a replacement PSU?
I already have a 110V to 220V step-up transformer which does the job, but this is a bit inconvenient as it's shared between 3 other devices.
If a conversion is not possible, would a replacement even work, as the machine is PAL?
Thanks,
Piyush
-
There should be some explaination on running an ATX-PSU in an A4000 on the Aminet, thats where I would start.
Remember that orginal PSU is >15 years old and doomed to cause trouble sooner or later (sooner if you expand the A4000 with powerdraining stuff like an 060 or even PPC card).
-
Thanks Kronos,
But from what I understand, the mechanical switch then no longer works - is that correct? I'm really looking for a solutions which maintains the "integrity" of the A4000.
-
there is no easy way to convert one,and there is no switch to change them as modern supplies have.
Best bet is buy another 115v 4000 psu or if your handy,a atx psu board can be installed in the stock 4000 psu housing,but its a really tight fit and takes a few mods.
pal/ntsc makes no difference and the PSU doesnt care. all A4000's can do pal or ntsc and you can set a jumper on the motherboard for it.
mech
-
Hi Mechy,
I'm ashamed to say that despite having an electrical engineering degree, I'm not handy! I'd be happy to buy another A4000 110V PSU - but I can't seem to find one anywhere!
And since moving to Montreal, I have discovered one more problem... TV's here don't have scart inputs!
So now I'm at a loss at how to connect to a TV... can anybody suggest a solution for this?
-
I'm ashamed to say that despite having an electrical engineering degree, I'm not handy!
Too many lectures and too few labs? ;)
And since moving to Montreal, I have discovered one more problem... TV's here don't have scart inputs!
So now I'm at a loss at how to connect to a TV... can anybody suggest a solution for this?
That's the downside of moving to the less developed world :P
They might have component video (3xRCA) and composite video (1xRCA) though.
there is no easy way to convert one,and there is no switch to change them as modern supplies have.
Best bet is buy another 115v 4000 psu or if your handy,a atx psu board can be installed in the stock 4000 psu housing,but its a really tight fit and takes a few mods.
How compatible is the ATX powersupplies in regard to screw holes, mounting brackets, fan and outlet directions etc ..?
(this goes for A2000, A3000 too)
-
You hit the nail on the head freqmax!
I found the following PSU on eBay, but it feels like quite a risk due to the cost: http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Commodore-Amiga-4000-Desktop-POWER-SUPPLY-Tested-and-Working-RARE-/320767296493?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4aaf3883ed#ht_500wt_1286
What do you guys think?
So wrt the video output - I've managed to find a few places that sell SCART-to-YUV converters so I may try one of those.
-
BTW - here's the scart-to-YUV converter I found: http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-SCART-RGB-YUV-Component-Video-Converter-Scaler-/220698772855?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3362ac0577&afsrc=1#ht_1440wt_1269
Anybody have any experience with this?
-
You hit the nail on the head freqmax!
Which of them? ;)
-
Hi,
I have an A4000 from the UK, but now I live in North America. The question is, is it possible to convert my PSU from 220V to 110V, or do I need to buy a replacement PSU?
Both are possible.
Converting would be best done by getting the original psu board out and placing a mAtx board in there using the connector of the old psu.
A replacement will work also, just set the pal to ntsc jumper.
-
Hi BuzzFuzz,
OK, I've managed to change the video output to NTSC by setting the jumper. How about the PSU conversion? Do you have any further details on this?
-
Hi BuzzFuzz,
OK, I've managed to change the video output to NTSC by setting the jumper. How about the PSU conversion? Do you have any further details on this?
the psu you listed from ebay will do for you.
As for using a atx in the A4000 psu, it takes some work to do it right,i installed standoffs in the original case and bolted the atx psu in,it doesnt line up with the original mounting holes, its a bit long of a board so requires a slot ground into the fan housing for the board to fit, the psu pcb may even need some slight shaving off the edges, its a very tight fit..then you have to solder power wiring,and the amiga motherboard connector pigtail to the new psu etc. the mATX idea is probabaly much better from a fitting standpoint.
mech
-
Have you had the 4000PS open? sometimes those switchers have a jumper or switch to convert between 110 and 220. Don't know if the 4000 is one of those, but it might be worth a look.
-
For those who can get by with 100 W - I've got a box of very small ATX autorange PSUs (some call them µATX but that form factor doesn't actually exist) that probably fit into the original PSU easily. Yours for the postage.
100 W may not sound much but for a more-or-less stock machine it's enough. (I've been running 2 GHz Northwood P4 machines on those.)
I think they're SFX size, I can get the exact dimensions tomorrow.
-
Hi,
I have an A4000 from the UK, but now I live in North America. The question is, is it possible to convert my PSU from 220V to 110V, or do I need to buy a replacement PSU?
I already have a 110V to 220V step-up transformer which does the job, but this is a bit inconvenient as it's shared between 3 other devices.
If a conversion is not possible, would a replacement even work, as the machine is PAL?
Thanks,
Piyush
Hi Piyush,
If you decide to try an atx psu mod and arent't comfortable doing it yourself, I'm in the Montreal area and could offer some help if you like, just let me know.
-
If you go for mini-ATX PSU add some capacitor. They might be unstable by themself.
-
Hi,
I have an A4000 from the UK, but now I live in North America. The question is, is it possible to convert my PSU from 220V to 110V, or do I need to buy a replacement PSU?
I already have a 110V to 220V step-up transformer which does the job, but this is a bit inconvenient as it's shared between 3 other devices.
If a conversion is not possible, would a replacement even work, as the machine is PAL?
Thanks,
Piyush
If you installed your Amiga in your laundry room you could unplug the dryer and plug in your Amiga when you are not doing laundry. Just kidding, that is bad advice and won't work - especially if you have a natural gas dryer.
-
Hi Piyush,
If you decide to try an atx psu mod and arent't comfortable doing it yourself, I'm in the Montreal area and could offer some help if you like, just let me know.
Hi Merc,
Thank you very much for the kind offer - I think I'll take you up on it!
I'll follow this up with a private message so we can arrange a meet.