Difference between revisions of "Power Supply for CPC and CPC plus"

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(Power pack project)
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== Background ==
 
== Background ==
  
The power supply for the CPC464,664 or 6128 is not in the keyboard unit, it is in the monitor or an external television modulator.
+
The power supply for the CPC464,664 or 6128 is not in the keyboard unit, it is in the monitor or an external television modulator.  
  
== Monitor models ==  
+
The CPC 464 and Plus computers require a single voltage of 5V. THE CPC 664 and CPC 6128 require 5V for the mainboard and 12V for their built-in floppy.
 +
 
 +
== Power supply options ==
 +
 
 +
=== Monitor models ===  
  
 
* The GT64 is the "Green Screen" monochrome monitor for the CPC464 and has the 5V power supply for the computer.
 
* The GT64 is the "Green Screen" monochrome monitor for the CPC464 and has the 5V power supply for the computer.
* The GT65 is the "Green Screen" monochrome monitor for the CPC664 or CPC6128 and has the 5V power supply for the computer and 12V power supply for the disc drive.
+
* The GT65 is the "Green Screen" monochrome monitor for the CPC664 or CPC6128 and has the 5V power supply for the computer and 12V power supply for the disc drive. It can also be used for the 464.
 
* The MM14 is the "Grey Scale" monochrome monitor for the CPC464+ and CPC6128+ and has the 5V power supply for the computer and disc drive.
 
* The MM14 is the "Grey Scale" monochrome monitor for the CPC464+ and CPC6128+ and has the 5V power supply for the computer and disc drive.
 
* The CTM640 is the colour monitor for the CPC464 and has the 5V power supply for the computer.
 
* The CTM640 is the colour monitor for the CPC464 and has the 5V power supply for the computer.
* The CTM644 is the colour monitor for the CPC664 or CPC6128 and has the 5V power supply for the computer and 12V power supply for the disc drive.
+
* The CTM644 is the colour monitor for the CPC664 or CPC6128 and has the 5V power supply for the computer and 12V power supply for the disc drive. It can also be used for the 464.
 
* The CM14 is the color monitor for the CPC464+ and CPC6128+ and has the 5V power supply for the computer and disc drive.
 
* The CM14 is the color monitor for the CPC464+ and CPC6128+ and has the 5V power supply for the computer and disc drive.
  
== TV Modulator models ==
+
=== TV Modulator models ===
  
 
* MP-1 is the television modulator for the CPC464 and has the 5V power supply for the computer
 
* MP-1 is the television modulator for the CPC464 and has the 5V power supply for the computer
* MP-2 is the television modulator for the CPC664 and CPC6128 and has the 5V power supply for the computer and 12V power supply for the disc drive.  
+
* MP-2 is the television modulator for the CPC664 and CPC6128 and has the 5V power supply for the computer and 12V power supply for the disc drive. It can also be used for the 464.
  
== Power requirements ==
+
=== Power supplies for other vintage computers ===
 +
 
 +
Use a Spectrum +3 (or a +2A) power supply as not only can it happily supply your required 5 and 12 volts but the lead you discard can be used to make the Scart lead, as it contains six cores and has a six pin DIN plug at one end --- so all you need to buy is a Scart plug, jack plug and the screened cable. An added bonus is if you obtain the machine with the +3 power supply then you can use the disc drive as a spare for your CPC machine (yes they are the same).
 +
 
 +
Another excellent alternative as a Power Supply Unit, is as supplied by Commodore for their various models of computer. And with the advantage that they come with a mains on/off switch. 5 and 12 volts DC is available from all units so far encountered (but do check the base of the unit for specifications) with current ratings for the 5 volt supply at between 2.5 and 4.3 amps with 1 amp for the 12 volt supply. Modifications required are the same as for the Spectrum P.S.U.
 +
 
 +
=== Using a PC power supply ===
 +
 
 +
It is possible to use a PC power supply, however PC PSUs can be dangerous as they easily can pump out 25A or more on the 5V rail - one accidental short in the system and it fries the traces of the computers PCB.
 +
 
 +
There are ATX breakout boards available on e.g. Ebay or Amazon, which will add fuses to the 12V and 5V lanes of the power supply, so they can be safely used with the CPC and Plus. To avoid any harm to the computer, the 5V fuse should be 4A, the 12V fuse 1A.
 +
 
 +
[[File:Atx-breakout-psu.jpg|400px]]
 +
 
 +
=== Other options ===
 +
 
 +
As long as you meet the criteria in the next section, you should be good to go. Many 5V power supplies are good for the CPC 464 and Plus. For the 664 and CPC 6128, you sometimes can find power supplies e.g. for Cisco routers that provide 5V and 12V at a reasonable price. Some soldering will then be required to make an adapter.
 +
 
 +
You can even buy separate power supplies for 12V and 5V and use it with the 664 and CPC 6128.
 +
 
 +
Just don't buy cheap. If you can get a good deal, sure, go ahead, but don't fall for very cheap offers. E.g. don't be tempted to buy the cheap power supplies used for external hard drives just because they offer 5V and 12V.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
== Technical aspects ==
 +
 
 +
=== Power requirements ===
  
 
The power requirements are (information taken from the underneath of the keyboard unit from real machines):
 
The power requirements are (information taken from the underneath of the keyboard unit from real machines):
Line 31: Line 60:
 
* CPC6128+: computer and internal disc drive: 5V DC @ 2.4A  
 
* CPC6128+: computer and internal disc drive: 5V DC @ 2.4A  
  
== Power connectors ==
+
 
 +
'''All voltages MUST be smooth, the CPC does not have an internal regulator!'''
 +
 
 +
=== Power connectors ===
  
 
To connect a power supply to CPC you need the following connectors:
 
To connect a power supply to CPC you need the following connectors:
Line 37: Line 69:
 
* CPC classic:
 
* CPC classic:
  
   * 2.1mm power line plug (providing the 5V for the CPC)
+
   * 5.5mm/2.1mm power line plug (providing the 5V for the CPC)
   * 2.1mm power line socket (providing the 12V for the floppy)
+
   * 5.5mm/2.1mm power line socket (providing the 12V for the floppy)
  
 
* CPC+:
 
* CPC+:
  
   * 2.5mm power line plug (providing the 5V for CPC and floppy)
+
   * 5.5mm/2.5mm power line plug (providing the 5V for CPC and floppy)
 
+
 
+
NOTES:
+
 
+
* All voltages MUST be smooth, the CPC does not have a internal regulator!
+
* If you want to use the computer without the monitor, then you will need to build a television modulator, or a lead to connect to a television with a SCART input.
+
 
+
== Power pack project ==
+
 
+
This project describes a method to make a power pack for the CPC and CPC+.
+
What you will need:
+
 
+
CPC and CPC+:
+
  
* 2.5mm power line plug (note 1)
+
[[File:cpc_power_plug_socket.jpg|600px]]
* 2.1mm power line plug (note 2)
+
* 2.1mm power line socket (note 3)
+
* a power supply which can supply 5V DC and 12V DC (note 4)
+
* fast acting fuse
+
* in-line fuse holder
+
* wire
+
  
CPC only:
+
* Outer diameter (A) is 5.5mm for all plugs and sockets, inner diameter (B) is 2.1mm for classic CPCs and 2.5mm for Plus
 +
* short and long plugs exist, the ones used for the CPC and Plus are the short ones with approx. 9.5mm (C)
  
* 2.1mm power line plug (note 1)
 
* 2.1mm power line socket (note 3)
 
* a power supply which can supply 5V DC and 12V DC (note 4)
 
* wire
 
  
CPC+ only:
+
==== Pinouts for Power Sockets: ====
  
* 2.5mm power line plug (note 1)
+
The +5V socket on the back of the CPC / Plus is wired as CENTRE POSITIVE, i.e. the central pin of the plug is +5V and the outer barrel is Negative (GND). <br>
* a power supply which can supply 5V DC (note 4)
+
* wire
+
  
NOTES:
+
[[Image:Centrepositive.png|Image:centrepositive.png]]  
# The 2.5mm power line plug will connect into the computer and provides the 5V power
+
# The 2.1mm power line plug will connect into the computer and provides the 5V power
+
# The lead from the CPC664, CPC6128 will connect into the 2.1mm power line socket to provide the 12V power for the disc drive
+
# A PC power supply is ideal. If a PC power supply is used you will also require:
+
* 4-pin (0.2") 5.08mm Spacing Polarised Power Connector (male) -- don't panic, this is the part fitting with the output from the power supply, see for example [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Molex_connector#Disk_drive_connector_.28Molex_8981_Series_Power_Connector.29 Molex connector] or [https://www.google.fr/search?q=Molex+8981+male&tbm=isch google image search]. Other options are possible, use whatever fits the power supply you use, this one will fit virtually every PC power supply. Many PC hackers have some cables lying around, like power supply doubler cable, or old fan, with a suitable connector that can be reused.
+
  
{|{{Prettytable|width: 700px; font-size: 2em;}}
+
The +12V plug on the end of the wire dangling out of the back of the CPC 6128 is wired CENTRE NEGATIVE, i.e. the central pin of the plug is Negative (GND) while the outer barrel is +12V. <br>
|''Description''||''[http://www.maplin.co.uk/ Maplins] Reference''
+
|-
+
|2.5mm power line plug||HH62S
+
|-
+
|2.1mm power line socket||JK11M
+
|-
+
|PC power supply||VL11M
+
|-
+
|4-pin 5.08mm Spacing Polarised Power Connector (male)||JW64
+
|-
+
|}
+
  
Power to computer:
+
[[Image:Centrenegative.png|Image:centrenegative.png]]
  
The plug has one outer and one inner contact. The outer contact is 0V, and the inner contact is 5V.
 
  
 
[[Category:Hardware]]
 
[[Category:Hardware]]

Latest revision as of 05:34, 23 January 2023

Background

The power supply for the CPC464,664 or 6128 is not in the keyboard unit, it is in the monitor or an external television modulator.

The CPC 464 and Plus computers require a single voltage of 5V. THE CPC 664 and CPC 6128 require 5V for the mainboard and 12V for their built-in floppy.

Power supply options

Monitor models

  • The GT64 is the "Green Screen" monochrome monitor for the CPC464 and has the 5V power supply for the computer.
  • The GT65 is the "Green Screen" monochrome monitor for the CPC664 or CPC6128 and has the 5V power supply for the computer and 12V power supply for the disc drive. It can also be used for the 464.
  • The MM14 is the "Grey Scale" monochrome monitor for the CPC464+ and CPC6128+ and has the 5V power supply for the computer and disc drive.
  • The CTM640 is the colour monitor for the CPC464 and has the 5V power supply for the computer.
  • The CTM644 is the colour monitor for the CPC664 or CPC6128 and has the 5V power supply for the computer and 12V power supply for the disc drive. It can also be used for the 464.
  • The CM14 is the color monitor for the CPC464+ and CPC6128+ and has the 5V power supply for the computer and disc drive.

TV Modulator models

  • MP-1 is the television modulator for the CPC464 and has the 5V power supply for the computer
  • MP-2 is the television modulator for the CPC664 and CPC6128 and has the 5V power supply for the computer and 12V power supply for the disc drive. It can also be used for the 464.

Power supplies for other vintage computers

Use a Spectrum +3 (or a +2A) power supply as not only can it happily supply your required 5 and 12 volts but the lead you discard can be used to make the Scart lead, as it contains six cores and has a six pin DIN plug at one end --- so all you need to buy is a Scart plug, jack plug and the screened cable. An added bonus is if you obtain the machine with the +3 power supply then you can use the disc drive as a spare for your CPC machine (yes they are the same).

Another excellent alternative as a Power Supply Unit, is as supplied by Commodore for their various models of computer. And with the advantage that they come with a mains on/off switch. 5 and 12 volts DC is available from all units so far encountered (but do check the base of the unit for specifications) with current ratings for the 5 volt supply at between 2.5 and 4.3 amps with 1 amp for the 12 volt supply. Modifications required are the same as for the Spectrum P.S.U.

Using a PC power supply

It is possible to use a PC power supply, however PC PSUs can be dangerous as they easily can pump out 25A or more on the 5V rail - one accidental short in the system and it fries the traces of the computers PCB.

There are ATX breakout boards available on e.g. Ebay or Amazon, which will add fuses to the 12V and 5V lanes of the power supply, so they can be safely used with the CPC and Plus. To avoid any harm to the computer, the 5V fuse should be 4A, the 12V fuse 1A.

Atx-breakout-psu.jpg

Other options

As long as you meet the criteria in the next section, you should be good to go. Many 5V power supplies are good for the CPC 464 and Plus. For the 664 and CPC 6128, you sometimes can find power supplies e.g. for Cisco routers that provide 5V and 12V at a reasonable price. Some soldering will then be required to make an adapter.

You can even buy separate power supplies for 12V and 5V and use it with the 664 and CPC 6128.

Just don't buy cheap. If you can get a good deal, sure, go ahead, but don't fall for very cheap offers. E.g. don't be tempted to buy the cheap power supplies used for external hard drives just because they offer 5V and 12V.


Technical aspects

Power requirements

The power requirements are (information taken from the underneath of the keyboard unit from real machines):

  • CPC464: computer and internal cassette player: 5V DC @ 2A
  • CPC664:
computer: 5V DC @ 1.7A
internal disc drive: 12V DC @ 0.4A
  • CPC6128:
computer: 5V DC @ 1.7A
internal disc drive: 12V DC @ 0.4A
  • CPC464+: computer and internal cassette player: 5V DC @ 2.4A
  • CPC6128+: computer and internal disc drive: 5V DC @ 2.4A


All voltages MUST be smooth, the CPC does not have an internal regulator!

Power connectors

To connect a power supply to CPC you need the following connectors:

  • CPC classic:
  * 5.5mm/2.1mm power line plug (providing the 5V for the CPC)
  * 5.5mm/2.1mm power line socket (providing the 12V for the floppy)
  • CPC+:
  * 5.5mm/2.5mm power line plug (providing the 5V for CPC and floppy)

Cpc power plug socket.jpg

  • Outer diameter (A) is 5.5mm for all plugs and sockets, inner diameter (B) is 2.1mm for classic CPCs and 2.5mm for Plus
  • short and long plugs exist, the ones used for the CPC and Plus are the short ones with approx. 9.5mm (C)


Pinouts for Power Sockets:

The +5V socket on the back of the CPC / Plus is wired as CENTRE POSITIVE, i.e. the central pin of the plug is +5V and the outer barrel is Negative (GND).

Image:centrepositive.png

The +12V plug on the end of the wire dangling out of the back of the CPC 6128 is wired CENTRE NEGATIVE, i.e. the central pin of the plug is Negative (GND) while the outer barrel is +12V.

Image:centrenegative.png