5200 Power Supply

[Phil]

I got a 4-port 5200 a little while back, and I've got the switchbox, but no power supply. I'd like to test the unit before I actually spend money on the correct power adapter for it...I've got a 12V power supply lying around - will I be able to use it to test my 5200, or will I kill it?

 

Thanks,

Phil

[+Mitch]

I got a 4-port 5200 a little while back, and I've got the switchbox, but no power supply.  I'd like to test the unit before I actually spend money on the correct power adapter for it...I've got a 12V power supply lying around - will I be able to use it to test my 5200, or will I kill it?

 

Thanks,

Phil

 

What's the amp rating on it?

 

Mitch

http://atari7800.atari.org

[Phil]

It's a fairly powerful supply, something like 8A (I use it for testing things)

I was more worried about damaging the 5200 than the power supply.

[Dgriswell]

8 amps?! Wow! What was that power supply for originally? If it's 8 amps and not 800mA, don't use it....it will fry the atari and possible start a fire with a rating that high.

 

You need a power supply that will put out between 1 and 1.2 amps. Anything higher will cause damage to your system.

[Phil]

I know that the original power supply was much smaller, but the way I understood it, it doesn't hurt to use a supply that can supply more amperage, as the device will only draw what is needed. Matching voltage is more important, and I'm concerned as to whether or not the 12V will be too high.

[CPUWIZ]

The 4 port power supply is rated 11.5V @ 1.95A and the center of the connector is positive.

[Phil]

The 4 port power supply is rated 11.5V @ 1.95A and the center of the connector is positive.

So, will testing it with a 12V supply be too much for it, or will it be OK?

[CPUWIZ]

I am not sure but I think the worst that could happen is that you'll fry the 7805, which is easily replaceable.

[Voltman3]

My heres my .02cents-

 

I have a 4port PS (11.5VDC) running my 2port with no problem.

There are 2 differtent ratings on 5200 PSs and either will run both machines.

 

I agree with Phil.. as I recall from a long time ago..... (theory has it)

any elecrical circuit will only draw the amount of power it needs.

So hooking up a higher amp PS should NOT hurt anything.

 

If it is a fusable PS, maybe put in a 1 - 2 amp fuse

(but, not of the slowblow variety) we still can't guar they'll blow fast enough!

 

As far as voltage rating I would stay right @ 12VDC and no higher.

 

Some of these items are not as finicky as we might imagine.

Ex: The PS I use on my 2port is rated 11.5VDC, but it actually

puts out 15VDC according to my DMMeter.

 

If you keep your voltage 9VDC-12VDC & you should be ok.

 

But Phil, it isnt very tough to get a 5200 PS,

so go ahead & get 1 if your unit does work...

 

I might suggest to anyone using a (wall wart) replacement PS for

anything- be sure & note the output, many PS have an AC volt output-

and it may work, but you are going to have a much lower DC output

and most likely damage your unit with prolonged use.

Vice versa applies as well- it may or maynot work, but sensitive

components ca be damaged using the wrong type PS.

(polarity + & - should be considered too)

 

I say this because the other day- I almost used a DC PS (wallwart)

when I need an AC output........ duh ! Luckily I noticed !

 

Lastly, some PS have caps in them to provide a smoother DC output.

This is needed for some circuits, others dont care. It depends on the app.

 

If I am off base on any of this go ahead & correct me, but that is

what I can recall after brushing out a few cobwebs

 

Later

[Phil]

OK, thanks for the info.

I do plan to get a real 5200 power supply, but I want to make sure that the console actually works before I spend the money on it. If it doesn't work, no big deal...it was free from a friend, he just didn't have the power supply any more (though I did get the original box for it)

 

--Phil

[Rob Mitchell]

I am in the process of fixing a broken 5200 power supply .. - the part # is CO18187.

 

(I have already tested my 4 controller 5200 with a generic 12v 1A PS and it worked just fine.)

 

Anyway this Atari CO18187 has two exposed screws on the bottom .. and the way you get into it is to remove the two rubber feet furthest away from these two screws to uncover two more screws. It is not necessary to remove the two rubber feet nearest the exposed screws (which is what I did). Inside I found that the inline fuse is blown. So I need to get another and solder in place. It is 250v 5A fuse BTW. Hope this info helps someone else.

 

Rob Mitchell, Atlanta, GA

[Rob Mitchell]

Got it all back together last night .. I used a 2A fuse as the store did not have 5A fuses with the "pigtail" leads soldered in place. The Power Supply works great! Still I wonder what blew that fuse to begin with.

 

Rob Mitchell, Atlanta, GA