Classic Pac Posted January 10, 2019 Share Posted January 10, 2019 A while back a friend gave me there old Atari 800 XL computer from the outside it looks perfect, meanwhile, the inside looks the same. My problem is before I buy the power supply (which my friend did not have). I really like to try this out so is there anyone here who lives in or around Chicago that is willing to help me test this computer out? As I really don't know what else to do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+orpheuswaking Posted January 10, 2019 Share Posted January 10, 2019 Try contacting SCAT http://www.scatarians.org/Nick or one of the local members should be able to help 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Robot Posted January 10, 2019 Share Posted January 10, 2019 Buy something like this from ebay, it's cheap and works perfectly. This isn't my auction, there are others. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SS Posted January 10, 2019 Share Posted January 10, 2019 (edited) Buy something like this from ebay, it's cheap and works perfectly. This isn't my auction, there are others. Those USB power supplies seem to be good; they are certainly affordable. Just make sure that you get a decent plug that is rated at a minimum of 1.5A (higher would be preferable). Standard phone charger plugs will not suffice. Edited January 10, 2019 by SS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BoatofCar Posted January 10, 2019 Share Posted January 10, 2019 Buy something like this from ebay, it's cheap and works perfectly. This isn't my auction, there are others. Woah! This is the first time I've ever seen this. Is there any reason to keep using the massive vintages ones rather than this solution? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mclaneinc Posted January 10, 2019 Share Posted January 10, 2019 Can you draw 1.5 amps from a PC USB? I know it says USB power supply not included but some may try and plug in to a laptop? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Westphal Posted January 10, 2019 Share Posted January 10, 2019 A Galaxy S5 note3, 2.0 amp USB power supply is what I went with - $5 Ebay free shipping. HTC USB 1.5 amp is fine for stock systems , I'm using the 2.0amp in my stereo U1 800XL. PAul 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+ZuluGula Posted January 10, 2019 Share Posted January 10, 2019 I really like to try this out so is there anyone here who lives in or around Chicago that is willing to help me test this computer out? Where are you in Chicago? Shoot me a PM. In couple of days I should have ready a power supply made of new Mean Well 5V 3A and Atari plug. I am making one for me so I can do another one, it would cost around $20. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+mytek Posted January 10, 2019 Share Posted January 10, 2019 One thing to keep in mind. Not all of these new 5V USB wall warts have the same voltage stability as the original Atari ones with the linear regulators. These new switching PSUs sometimes have a voltage that varies for several minutes after power-on. The voltage variation isn't extreme, but it's enough to cause the Atari's color to shift (even a 10 milivolt difference is quite noticeable). In most cases after the several minute warm-up, things will settle down and the color will remain fixed. However with a stock linear regulated supply, the voltage is pretty well locked in from the get go, and usually any color variation seen is simply the GTIA warming up, which happens within 20-30 seconds or less (instead of 2-3 minutes). 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Robot Posted January 10, 2019 Share Posted January 10, 2019 Any tablet charger will supply more than enough current, as will any smartphone 'fast' charger. I have a 7pin din to micro usb adapter that I made, I can just plug in any handy Raspberry Pi power supply, they are all 2.5a nowadays Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Robot Posted January 10, 2019 Share Posted January 10, 2019 Can you draw 1.5 amps from a PC USB? Most modern laptops/pc's will go up to 2a on the usb nowadays. They changed over around the advent of windows 7, I remember having to upgrade the firmware in all the Lenovos at work when the patch happened. We can thank smartphones for forcing pc makers to up their game. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mclaneinc Posted January 10, 2019 Share Posted January 10, 2019 Ah good to hear, it did make me wonder... Thank you... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
_The Doctor__ Posted January 10, 2019 Share Posted January 10, 2019 (edited) One thing to keep in mind. Not all of these new 5V USB wall warts have the same voltage stability as the original Atari ones with the linear regulators. These new switching PSUs sometimes have a voltage that varies for several minutes after power-on. The voltage variation isn't extreme, but it's enough to cause the Atari's color to shift (even a 10 milivolt difference is quite noticeable). In most cases after the several minute warm-up, things will settle down and the color will remain fixed. However with a stock linear regulated supply, the voltage is pretty well locked in from the get go, and usually any color variation seen is simply the GTIA warming up, which happens within 20-30 seconds or less (instead of 2-3 minutes). Mytek nails this one very well, there have been discussions and O-scope comparisons in operation... there are many usb power adapters out there that fluctuate and starve the Atari. These brown out conditions are very bad for our vintage machines. They set the gremlins loose and wreak havoc on attached mods and devices. Lets' not even venture into how many cheap knock off chinese usb power bricks/blocks/squares are out there... some so bad they kill phone let alone our Atari machines. There are enough you tube video about the build quality and engineering of these and once you see some of the *ss-hattery... well your' hair might catch fire too! Edited January 10, 2019 by _The Doctor__ 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shoestring Posted January 10, 2019 Share Posted January 10, 2019 The real cheapies would not be very suitable for continuous use even though their ratings may fit within parameters of the machine. I just realized that I have a spare Sony PSP charger lying around, rated at 5v @ 2a. This "may" be a better alternative. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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