Generic PSU for 5200 = Dangerous?

[+sixersfan105]

It's my understanding that the official specs on an Atari 5200 PSU are as follows:

Input = 120V AC 60 Hz 33W

Output = 11.5V DC 1.95 Amps

 

My question to you all is whether a generic PSU - touted as working with the 5200 - would damage the system with the following specs:

Input = 120V AC 60 Hz

Output = 18V DC 1.5 Amps (this higher voltage output is what worries me)

 

Any insight would be greatly appreciated!

[rockman_x_2002]

The higher voltage concerns me as well. My understanding is voltage should match as closely as possible. The amps may be higher (because that's potential current, and the device will only draw as much as is needed), but should not be fewer than what the device requires to operate. Also, since the output is DC, you'll want to make sure the polarity matches as well.

[Keatah]

I advise against using 18Vdc power supply for the 5200. If you're nuts enough to try it, and it works, SOMETHING is going to be overstressed and fail. Probably sooner than later.

 

And old electronics need all the TLC they can get, not be pushed to their breaking point. Could even be dangerous and start a small fire depending what fails and how it fails.

[bohoki]

its beyond comprehension why someone would use a power supply that is so out of spec its so cheap to buy a 2 amp 12v switching powersupply it just dont make a lick of sense

[7800fan]

There is a voltage regulator inside that downconverts anything inputted to 5v that 5200 needs. However the excess voltage needs to be dumped. 11.5v may get the heat sink warm, 18v will make it hot and can possibly burn up the regulators.

[+sixersfan105]

Thanks for the responses, you guys. I think I'll trash this power supply, unless someone wants it for some reason (Just pay shipping). Thanks again!

[7800fan]

Just trash it. If it was brand new generic Chinese mad PSU, it probably doesn't have any filtering inside and would harm many of the electronics. A good PSU for Atari 5200 would be 10-12v range, 2A (technically 1A is enough if you never use VCS adapter), and has some filtering internally to reduce AC ripple on the DC rail. If you have O-scope and a large power resistor (something like 10 ohms 15w resistor (yes, 15 watts, not the common 1/4w), using O-scope you can see what the ripple is like and how much variation there are. I like it under 5% (which would be around +/- 0.6v on a 12v supply)

[+sixersfan105]

Just trash it. If it was brand new generic Chinese mad PSU, it probably doesn't have any filtering inside and would harm many of the electronics. A good PSU for Atari 5200 would be 10-12v range, 2A (technically 1A is enough if you never use VCS adapter), and has some filtering internally to reduce AC ripple on the DC rail. If you have O-scope and a large power resistor (something like 10 ohms 15w resistor (yes, 15 watts, not the common 1/4w), using O-scope you can see what the ripple is like and how much variation there are. I like it under 5% (which would be around +/- 0.6v on a 12v supply)

Thanks for the info. Officially tossed!

[0078265317]

Just get a real one.

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/5200-Power-Supply-AC-Adapter-Plug-Orig-Atari-New-No-Box-/130888127549?hash=item1e798a543d:m:m1Tz1n4OvAeMsDipvZi9ecg

 

Brand new so worth it.

[0078265317]

Or

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/5200-Power-Supply-AC-Adapter-Plug-Orig-Atari-New-Boxed-NOS-/130911505228?hash=item1e7aef0b4c:m:m0KwD0zqUEvbR1_m89YGM8w

[+sixersfan105]

Just get a real one.

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/5200-Power-Supply-AC-Adapter-Plug-Orig-Atari-New-No-Box-/130888127549?hash=item1e798a543d:m:m1Tz1n4OvAeMsDipvZi9ecg

 

Brand new so worth it.

Yeah I hear you. Still a little pricey for me. The one i originally purchased (full story on bad trader alert in marketplace) was supposed to be OEM Atari (had pics and everything) and I paid $8 with free shipping. Wound up getting another from a different seller for $20 that gets the job done. Don't mind if it has some scratches.