How to open Atari 7800 AC adapter power supply?

[thetallguy24]

There aren't any screws, just a seam. Any ideas how to open it without permanently damaging it? I want to try and repair the wiring

[thetallguy24]

Pic of adapter

[CPUWIZ]

I do not recommend opening sealed power supplies.

 

I would use an exacto blade or something and cut back the section where the wires are messed up, separate both wires and put a piece of shrinktube around the dual cable, before you solder them back together.

[thetallguy24]

I do not recommend opening sealed power supplies.

 

I would use an exacto blade or something and cut back the section where the wires are messed up, separate both wires and put a piece of shrinktube around the dual cable, before you solder them back together.

 

The issue is the wires are messed up right at the base as you can see in the pic

[CPUWIZ]

Yes, cut back the section that is supposed to prevent this sort of thing.

[+DrVenkman]

Personally I'd just buy a new power supply or alternately, a generic one and solder on the old connector.

[Shawn]

Cut the cord off, buy another AC of the same specs and add the cord to it. You can take the brick apart but it will get cosmetically fucked even if you use a hot blade or a dremil to do the work. Not worth the time and it will look like poop even if you are successful.

[Osgeld]

Sometimes squashing it slightly in a vice right at the seam will snap the weld

 

Just don't go crazy with it and be careful

 

Edit the thing could be potted too so even if you get it open you might end up with a brick of epoxy

Edited December 31, 2015 by Osgeld

[JimC79]

Talk to Brad at Best Electronics or pick up one for $15.

1-408-278-1070 ($20 minimum order)

[gilsaluki]

I have repaired power supplies by opening them with Xecetos. But, it is a dicey biz. Do so with caution. Buying a new one is wise. But, then again, I am cheeeeaap. So, cut away, cheapsters.

[thetallguy24]

So could I wire the tip to an atari 2600 adapter? I have an extra one of those

[Osgeld]

if you have another 9 volt adapter with similar current rating ya just swap the tip, make sure you get polarity right

[+Mitch]

So could I wire the tip to an atari 2600 adapter? I have an extra one of those

Probably not a good idea. A Sega Genesis 1 or Master System adapter would be better.

[JimC79]

If you're still working on this, Best has a ton of info on batteries. Might be worth a look.

 

Jim

 

www.best-electronics-ca.com/power%20guide.html

[Inky]

Something I think worth doing to these, and when I get my new 7800 adapter, I'm going to do this is get a couple pieces of shrink tubing and put one on the cord near the adapter itself, and one near the proprietary connector. Then using a hair dryer, shrink them down so that they hold the wire. Cheap insurance from breaks in the wire.

[Osgeld]

the heat shrink with hot melt glue in them works especially well for strain relief since the glue stiffens it up a bit

[papa_november]

Most modern 9VDC bricks are vastly better (and smaller) than the Atari OEM unit. Many of them are much easier to open, which makes transferring the cable over relatively painless. The OEM PSU isn't even regulated.