Can I use an Atari VCS AC adapter with a Coleco Telstar Ranger?

[Lobotomy]

If not, what are the specs for it? I have a complete in box Telstar Ranger, sans the AC adapter, which I think may not have come with it.

 

I don't want to buy C-Cells.

Edited April 29, 2014 by Lobotomy

[Lobotomy]

Yeaaaaah, just gonna bump this bad boy.

[mkiker2089]

You'll have to look on the device for the specs. There are too many variables here but I suppose the fist thing is to see if a headphone plug fits into the power jack as that's what the VCS uses. If it doesn't then stop there. Then you have to consider polarity which means buying an adapter and seeing if you get juice. It should be written on the console near the plug what the input specs are.

[chas10e]

how many C-cell batteries does it take ?

C cell batteries are rated 1.5 volts each & usually connect in series ... so if four batteries ... 4x1.5v = 6 Volts .... if six batteries ... 6x1.5v = 9 volts

 

the Atari VCS adapter is rated 9 volts ... the Pong battery eliminators are rated 6 volts & both use same jack

[Lobotomy]

It should be written on the console near the plug what the input specs are.

 

It isn't, I'm afraid. These never came with the AC adapter out of the box.

 

how many C-cell batteries does it take ?

C cell batteries are rated 1.5 volts each & usually connect in series ... so if four batteries ... 4x1.5v = 6 Volts .... if six batteries ... 6x1.5v = 9 volts

 

the Atari VCS adapter is rated 9 volts ... the Pong battery eliminators are rated 6 volts & both use same jack

 

It is a six battery console. How much of a factor is milliamperage? A lot of consoles I know of (NES, Genesis, SMS, Intellivision II, et al) will accept any AC adapter within the voltage rating, so long as the amperage at least matches, or exceeds, the input rating on the console. Think that might be the case in this Gen. 1 potato of a Pong console?

Edited May 12, 2014 by Lobotomy

[CatPix]

It's the case.

Also most Pong systems I know have 6 batteries but uses a 9V adapter (in fact, the Atari 2600 was build to be and use a Pong AC adapter).

The 2600 need 9V DC and 600mA from what I recall. Any PSU having those specs, and as you mentionned, at least 600mA or more (no limit, you could power your 2600 with a huge-ass 7A PSU and it would do nothing to it) will do the job.

[chas10e]

found a Post here about Coleco Telestar Arcade ... it came with a 9v 200ma power supply ...

 

http://atariage.com/forums/topic/50906-coleco-telstar-arcade-power-supply/?p=618512

 

if amp rating on power supply you were using was to low the devise would probably not work (no picture)

 

as CatPix said ... a higher Amp rating is fine as the draw wouldn't exceed what was available , My atari VCS adapters are 9v DC 500ma rated , my guess is polarity is correct also

 

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a note: on the NES adapter ... it is AC power output & will damage the components inside say a Sega

 

while the reverce (Sega adapter on an NES) wouldn't be true

[mkiker2089]

Not to be pedantic but the higher amperage assumes he's using a fairly modern switching power supply. Yes, I know most are now but I just wouldn't want anyone to find an antique power supply and think it looks cool with an antique system.

 

Off topic, I recently found about other consoles power supplies, there's a 3-1 popular now that has two outputs. I use it to power my NES and SNES, then there's a Sega version designed for the Genesis 2 and 32x that will power my Genesis 3 and Master System. 4 consoles with only two wall warts. Science is lovely isn't it.

 

I have SVA2 that also uses a nes cord but the trio cords don't come in the right variety. I'd have needed Genesis 1 (for the Atari), another Genesis 1 (Master System) and Genesis 2 (Genesis 3).

[chas10e]

I just got a Coleco Telestar Combat , takes 6 C cell batteries , compartment was nice & clean ... above power jack it says "Use only Coleco no. 6041 200mA 9V AC Adapter (in yellow box)"

 

I felt quite confident using my VCS adapter & it worked great

[CatPix]

as long as the + and - are on the same tip, you can use it the VCS have the same voltage and more amps, so you're fine. I won't work in the other way, tho.

[Lobotomy]

It worked just fine!