Justin Payne Posted June 30, 2015 Share Posted June 30, 2015 It's not difficult to build one, if you're going to sell it though you need insurances and certification, it's not allowed for anyone to just slap something together and sell. That's why an already existing power supply with an adapter box is a simpler idea, no 110V or 230V is touched only the low voltage on the output. A lot easier to make and sell without needing tests and so on. Oh, very good point. I didn't think about that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
motrucker Posted July 26, 2015 Share Posted July 26, 2015 (edited) Ahhh... fond memories of "disassembling" a Commodore 64 brick power supply. With a sledge hammer. Ray Carlsen is also making power suppies for many of the Commodore computers. They aren't cheap, but are extremely well designed and made. You can find them on his site: http://personalpages.tds.net/~rcarlsen/custom%20ps.html Edited July 26, 2015 by motrucker Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Justin Payne Posted July 27, 2015 Share Posted July 27, 2015 Yes, I heard Ray's power supples are a bit pricey but if it's worth a little piece of mind and time savings, it seems like a good purchase. I, on the other hand, am cheap and find the time invested building something myself, most of the time, well worth the effort. A buddy of mine is about to order some parts from an online electronic component dealer and I needs to get the parts list from Ray's site so I can hop on board that order and save a little on shipping. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
motrucker Posted July 30, 2015 Share Posted July 30, 2015 Yes, I heard Ray's power supples are a bit pricey but if it's worth a little piece of mind and time savings, it seems like a good purchase. I, on the other hand, am cheap and find the time invested building something myself, most of the time, well worth the effort. A buddy of mine is about to order some parts from an online electronic component dealer and I needs to get the parts list from Ray's site so I can hop on board that order and save a little on shipping. I sure agree that Ray Carlsen's PSU are expensive. I have built one 64 PSU, using a C128D CR PSU that was being sold (new units) cheap. These days I sort of cheat, and use a 1764 PSU for my C-64. Anything but that old black brick. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Justin Payne Posted July 30, 2015 Share Posted July 30, 2015 So, the 1764 solves the issue? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
motrucker Posted July 30, 2015 Share Posted July 30, 2015 So, the 1764 solves the issue? It does. The 1764 PSU is built along the lines of the C-128 power supply, but with slightly less output. It's an excellent solution if you can find one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
motrucker Posted August 23, 2015 Share Posted August 23, 2015 Ray Carlsen, veteran Commodore repair technician, is now selling Computer Saver (an improved version of his original Computer Saver, the schematic of which had been on his website for years). Like the original, his new Computer Saver functions as a voltage limiter when plugged in-line between the C64 and the C64 power supply. Read what Ray says about his product -- ---------------- Original Message ----------------- From: "Ray Carlsen" <rcarlsen(at)tds.net> Date: Fri, June 21, 2013 11:53 pm --------------------------------------------------- Hi, Photos of the construction of those savers are on my site --http://personalpages.tds.net/~rcarlsen/cbm/c64/SAVER/EXTERNAL/ AN EXTERNAL "COMPUTER SAVER" PROTECTION DEVICE FOR THE C64 See Computer Saver on exhibit at CommVEx, Robert Bernardo Fresno Commodore User Group http://videocam.net.au/fcug July 27-28 Commodore Vegas Expo v9 - http://www.portcommodore.com/commvex There is a new computer saver that has just been released by SkydivinGirl from www.amibay.com and e5frog from almost everywhere.both as a kit or as a finished unit. http://www.melon64.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=2413 You can contact SkydivinGirl on Melon 64 or Amibay for more info, or to order one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobertB Posted August 29, 2015 Author Share Posted August 29, 2015 As Ray notes, her finished unit is more expensive than his deluxe Computer Saver. Truly, Robert Bernardo Fresno Commodore User Group http://www.dickestel.com/fcug.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobertB Posted August 29, 2015 Author Share Posted August 29, 2015 (edited) Ray Carlsen was quoted: > Photos of the construction of those savers are on my site --http://personalpages...SAVER/EXTERNAL/ In April, Ray updated the photos of the 3 versions of his Computer Savers. Those photos can now be found at http://personalpages.tds.net/~rcarlsen/cbm/c64/SAVER/3%20Saver%20versions.jpg Truly, Robert Bernardo Fresno Commodore User Group http://www.dickestel.com/fcug.htm Edited August 29, 2015 by RobertB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
motrucker Posted August 29, 2015 Share Posted August 29, 2015 As Ray notes, her finished unit is more expensive than his deluxe Computer Saver. Truly, Robert Bernardo Fresno Commodore User Group http://www.dickestel.com/fcug.htm CHecking the prices, it looks like they are almost the same for like models, ie the Super Saver of Ray Carlsen & the Sav64 from SkydivinGirl. they both cost about $55.00: From a post on Lemon 64 from SkydivinGirl: "Here are images of the prototype device. Please remember that this is a prototype so it has some cosmetic and other issues. I drilled the holes for the prototype so they are not exactly straight and you can see the aluminum on the edges of the holes. The factory cut holes will be properly cut and the same anodized black as the rest of the case. The LED will be lower and the reset switch will be closer to the outside of the case for easier access. As you can see in the images, I have powered the C64 using the 5VDC from my benchtop power supply along with a 9VAC adapter plugged into the barrel connector. I am taking pre-orders for the kits now! There are five SMD components but the rest of the device is through-hole soldering. I will pre-attach the SMD components to the PCB for anyone who is not capable of doing those components themselves. Please specify that you need this done when you pre-order. Here are the costs: $55.00 - Fully assembled, ready to use device. $42.50 – One complete kit. Everything you need to assemble one SaV64. There are two barrel connector options: 2.0x6.3mm (Accepts 2.1x5.5mm plug) or 2.5x6.3mm (Accepts 2.5x5.5mm plug). You can get two of the same or one of each." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobertB Posted August 29, 2015 Author Share Posted August 29, 2015 motrucker wrote: > CHecking the prices, it looks like they are almost the same for like models, ie the Super Saver of Ray Carlsen & the Sav64 from SkydivinGirl. they both cost about > $55.00: To be exact, Ray's deluxe Computer Saver is $50, and the Sav64 is $55. Of course, there are Ray's other versions of the Computer Savers (less expensive but also fully assembled). Truly, Robert Bernardo Fresno Commodore User Group http://www.dickestel.com/fcug.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
e5frog Posted August 30, 2015 Share Posted August 30, 2015 The goal of SaV64 wasn't to make one as cheap as possible or have different cost-levels, just one nice looking model with some options, a little better quality than the cheapest parts that can be bought. Aluminum case instead of plastic, better connectors chosen and also trying out a different kind of voltage sensor than the zener diode. SaV64 also works as a protected adapter for wall warts or other PSU:s and can also be used with an original PSU with just the 5V replaced.I have no financial interest in the SaV64, I just helped out making it. I think it's a very nice looking option to Ray's versions. Parts were carefully chosen to get a bit better look instead of just basic functionality. http://personalpages.tds.net/~rcarlsen/cbm/c64/SAVER/3%20Saver%20versions.jpg If the difference is just $5 for a fully assembled unit I'd say either Heather is too cheap or Ray is too expensive. Where does Ray post BTW, only time I come across something he writes or "says" it's quotes made by RobertB. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobertB Posted August 30, 2015 Author Share Posted August 30, 2015 e5frog wrote: > If the difference is just $5 for a fully assembled unit I'd say either Heather is too cheap or Ray is too expensive. You have it reversed. Ray provides the cheaper, fully assembled, deluxe unit (not counting his other, fully assembled versions). > Where does Ray post At times Ray posts on comp.sys.cbm Truly, Robert Bernardo Fresno Commodore User Group http://www.dickestel.com/fcug.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
e5frog Posted August 31, 2015 Share Posted August 31, 2015 Comparing the cost of material and work needed for assembly the price difference should be bigger, so it seems Heather has less profit or Ray should look for a cheaper parts supplier. Just comparing the price of the male connector and the box is probably more than the $5. But I guess some care about just getting the functionality and then there's those people who buy different colored C64C housings, the ones who wants something that looks different and has (too much) money to spend on it.Anyway I think it's only a good thing people can get these units from more than one manufacturer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobertB Posted August 31, 2015 Author Share Posted August 31, 2015 efrog wrote: > ...it seems Heather has less profit or Ray should look for a cheaper parts supplier. I'm not sure if your comparison is correct, but Ray typically gets his parts from Digikey and Jameco. Since Ray lives far from any city, everything has to be snail-mailed to him, i.e., there is no easy shopping at a local electronics parts house as would a person do in the Silicon Valley. Also, Ray would rather spend more on high quality parts than spend less on low quality parts. If you have suggestions on where to purchase quality electronics parts, just send an e-mail to Ray. Truly, Robert Bernardo Fresno Commodore User Group http://www.dickestel.com/fcug.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
motrucker Posted August 31, 2015 Share Posted August 31, 2015 Anyway I think it's only a good thing people can get these units from more than one manufacturer. I sure agree with that! Think of how many C-64s this could save. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
e5frog Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 This is a thread for Ray's Saver, not really any need for a comment pong-match on two other persons behalf. I'll just explain myself and then leave it. Yes, DigiKey and Mouser is where Heather buys the parts AFAIK (box is special, ordered from the manufacturer), not that the company name has anything to do with what quality parts are selected, both companies have good ones and cheap ones (not necessarly worse quality depending on how they are used). Parts are usually shipped by snail mail, not many people live by a storage facility where they can pick any parts they want at no shipping cost. It seems with the less amount of parts used in Ray's version, the plastic case and normal looking connector he may have chosen a larger profit margin than Heather as the difference isn't more than what it is compared to the larger amount of upper level priced parts used. BOM is larger, there's likely more soldering to be done. Maybe Ray's version would cost just $45 if Heather made them. She only charges $5 for the assembly, dirt cheap - too cheap IMHO. If we assume they both do the same job in the same way over just the same amount of time it's mainly a matter of wich one you like best. Ray was there first (that I know of), others are popping up now and then. Good luck with promoting sales for Ray, I wish both of you good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobertB Posted September 2, 2015 Author Share Posted September 2, 2015 efrog wrote: > This is a thread for Ray's Saver... > It seems with the less amount of parts used in Ray's version, the plastic case and normal looking connector he may have chosen a larger profit margin... Ray prefers uncomplicated designs. His philosophy is KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid). As for why he chose a specific part over another part, ask Ray by sending him an e-mail. Truly, Robert Bernardo Fresno Commodore User Group http://www.dickestel.com/fcug.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobertB Posted December 7, 2015 Author Share Posted December 7, 2015 On 04 May, 2014, I wrote: > Ray Carlsen now offers three versions of the Computer Saver. There is the $25 Computer Saver module that a user can install in their own computer, there is the > $35 Computer Saver cable (without LED indicators) version, and there is the $50, original, case-mounted Computer Saver (with LED indicators). Ray Carlsen now has one webpage that lists all his newly-improved Computer Savers and adapter cables for Commodores. Go to http://personalpages.tds.net/~rcarlsen/cables.htmlThe current prices are listed there. Check out the new mid-line Computer Saver for the Commodore Plus/4. Merry Christmas, Robert Bernardo Fresno Commodore User Group http://www.dickestel.com/fcug.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
retrofixes Posted April 8, 2016 Share Posted April 8, 2016 (edited) On 04 May, 2014, I wrote: > Ray Carlsen now offers three versions of the Computer Saver. There is the $25 Computer Saver module that a user can install in their own computer, there is the > $35 Computer Saver cable (without LED indicators) version, and there is the $50, original, case-mounted Computer Saver (with LED indicators). Ray Carlsen now has one webpage that lists all his newly-improved Computer Savers and adapter cables for Commodores. Go to http://personalpages.tds.net/~rcarlsen/cables.html The current prices are listed there. Check out the new mid-line Computer Saver for the Commodore Plus/4. Merry Christmas, Robert Bernardo Fresno Commodore User Group http://www.dickestel.com/fcug.htm Is there any reason for this to be an external device? Other than convenience for non-diy folks? I'm currently making a small PCB kit. Nothing is final and I will probably only make a few for my personal C64 collection. Though I will share the PCB files (when completed) if anyone is interested. I'm considering changing the original 2 led design for a single 5mm bicolor red/bue led. If internal install method is used The power saver bicolor LED could be mounted in place of the original c64 LED and indicate any issues etc. Edited April 8, 2016 by retrofixes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobertB Posted April 8, 2016 Author Share Posted April 8, 2016 Is there any reason for this to be an external device? Other than convenience for non-diy folks? Convenience for the non-DIY users. Ray does offer internal Computer Savers. Truly, Robert Bernardo Fresno Commodore User Group http://www.dickestel.com/fcug.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carlsson Posted April 8, 2016 Share Posted April 8, 2016 (edited) External also means you can move it to another computer if you need to, e.g. if you have both a VIC and a C64, or both NTSC and PAL, or both C64 old and new models, or even lend it to a friend at an expo. Edited April 8, 2016 by carlsson 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
AtariAge on Instagram
Watch us on YouTube
Chat on Discord
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.