Current draw of XEGS?

[ApolloBoy]

Just a little question here, does anyone know how much current the XEGS typically draws?

[adam242]

Just measured mine with a multimeter... 0.69 Amp.

[ApolloBoy]

Just measured mine with a multimeter... 0.69 Amp.

I'm assuming that's just with a cartridge inserted?

[adam242]

I'm assuming that's just with a cartridge inserted?

 

Yes. Qix, to be precise.

 

It's a stock console, no memory expansions or other mods that would increase current draw.

[ApolloBoy]

Ah OK. The reason why I ask is because I plan on doing a few mods on my XEGS when it arrives, and I'm thinking of installing a voltage regulator circuit and barrel-tip PSU jack in addition to an S-video mod and perhaps an Ultimate1MB expansion.

[BillC]

Ah OK. The reason why I ask is because I plan on doing a few mods on my XEGS when it arrives, and I'm thinking of installing a voltage regulator circuit and barrel-tip PSU jack in addition to an S-video mod and perhaps an Ultimate1MB expansion.

No need for a higher voltage power supply/internal voltage regulator, just use a +5V which supplies at least 1.5A. This is the current rating of most XL/XE power supplies, I believe only the XEGS and some 600XL powers supplies had a 1A rating, and there are many replacement supplies with a higher rating.

 

If getting an original XL power supply it's recommended to stay away from the version commonly known as the "Ingot", when they fail they often output too high a voltage which damages ICs.

[ApolloBoy]

 

No need for a higher voltage power supply/internal voltage regulator, just use a +5V which supplies at least 1.5A.

I'm putting one in there so I can use a model 1 Sega Genesis PSU, which is what I use with most of my other consoles.

[Rybags]

On my list is to simply make a dual USB cable/adaptor.

 

Unexpanded machines should do fine with just 1 Amp and plenty of the USB wall warts these days are rated to 1.2

[Marius]

Related question:

 

If the psu is giving enough current, how much could one draw from external ports like cart or joystick?

 

Are the +5V points on the ports directly connected to the +5v from the psu or is there any logic between the psu and +5v on the different ports?

 

I want to give my blackbox it's current from the Atari. It can operate with just 5v (as long as you don't want to use the rs232) and I was wondering whether I would harm anything.

 

 

[Joey Z]

Related question:

 

If the psu is giving enough current, how much could one draw from external ports like cart or joystick?

 

Are the +5V points on the ports directly connected to the +5v from the psu or is there any logic between the psu and +5v on the different ports?

 

I want to give my blackbox it's current from the Atari. It can operate with just 5v (as long as you don't want to use the rs232) and I was wondering whether I would harm anything.

 

On the 400/800, you can draw current until the trace burns up (but I don't know how big that trace is, so you would probably want to reinforce that connection. Also no way to use the BB on either of those unless you have incognito I guess) and on any of the later machines, you can draw current until the inductor burns or the trace burns (not sure on the specs of said inductor, but it might be a good idea to bypass that, as well as reinforce the trace with a wire). From there, it would depend on how much current a DE9 pin can handle, which I am not sure of, but you can probably find that spec by googling.

[griz]

If the psu is giving enough current, how much could one draw from external ports like cart or joystick?

 

If you are drawing a lot of power, perhaps it would be best to use a separate source for power. Just use the Atari to control it and remember to connect the grounds of the two power sources.

 

I'm putting one in there so I can use a model 1 Sega Genesis PSU, which is what I use with most of my other consoles.

 

Those also work nicely with Roland MT-32s.

[russg]

Related question:

 

If the psu is giving enough current, how much could one draw from external ports like cart or joystick?

 

Are the +5V points on the ports directly connected to the +5v from the psu or is there any logic between the psu and +5v on the different ports?

 

I want to give my blackbox it's current from the Atari. It can operate with just 5v (as long as you don't want to use the rs232) and I was wondering whether I would harm anything.

I would guess you shouldn't operate the BB without its own power supply. I know the MIO uses its own

power supply, and I wouldn't try to use it without it. The MIO uses a 9VAC if I remember, anyway it isn't

a 5v DC ps.

[Scooter83]

What would be a good recommendation for a light weight portable 5 volt ~ 1 amp battery pack that would work well for an atari 8 bit laptop?

[Marius]

I would guess you shouldn't operate the BB without its own power supply. I know the MIO uses its own

power supply, and I wouldn't try to use it without it. The MIO uses a 9VAC if I remember, anyway it isn't

a 5v DC ps.

 

The BlackBox is 5V DC on all it's main functions. Only the RS-232 has a -12V only for reference, so without this -12V the BlackBox is fully operational, except that the RS232will not work.

 

as the IDE+ can work from the +5V coming from the Atari, I guess the BlackBox can do too. But I do not know how much current one can draw from the Atari (I mean: when the PSU is loaded with enough AMPs).

 

I do not really see a problem by doing this... I'd consult metalguy66 or even better: Bob Puff...