UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Powered By Google Custom Search Vintage Radio and TV Service Data

Go Back   UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum > Specific Vintage Equipment > Vintage Computers

Notices

Vintage Computers Any vintage computer systems, calculators, video games etc., but with an emphasis on 1980s and earlier equipment.

Closed Thread
 
Thread Tools
Old 14th Jan 2018, 3:09 pm   #1
Eidolon
Hexode
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Worcester, Worcs, UK.
Posts: 257
Default Spectrum 48K power supply

A few years back I collected a box of Spectrum software with a 48K machine.. This was the second version of the 48k without the rubber keys. BUt there was no power supply with it, and i just left it up in the loft as I have a 128k+2a to use.
I want to sort this 48k out to use in another room now, but I need to find a suitable power supply for it. If I recall correctly, the Spectrums had something different to the norm for thier power supplies, reversed polarity or something. Can anyone point me in the direction of what to look for here, spec wise, to obtain a suitable replacement power supply? There's a few things listed on eBay, but i'm not overly trusting of generic lisiting, I've been stung before with things that don't do what they say.
Thanks.
Eidolon is offline  
Old 14th Jan 2018, 4:35 pm   #2
Outrun_uk
Heptode
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Liverpool, Merseyside, UK.
Posts: 704
Default Re: Spectrum 48K power supply

The Spectrum + used an unregulated 9v DC power supply at 1.4 amps. Barrel type power connector centre pin negative.

Edit, just found this -

https://www.thefuturewas8bit.com/sinclairpsu.html


Never dealt with this company but that’s the sort of thing you need.

Last edited by Outrun_uk; 14th Jan 2018 at 4:42 pm. Reason: Link added
Outrun_uk is offline  
Old 14th Jan 2018, 5:21 pm   #3
jay_oldstuff
Octode
 
jay_oldstuff's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Hyde, Greater Manchester, UK.
Posts: 1,074
Default Re: Spectrum 48K power supply

If you have a saga master system/megadrive 1, the PSU from one of them will work fine for your 48K. infact any 8-10v psu centre negative will work just fine.
__________________
The light at the end of the tunnel is probably the headlight of an oncoming train
jay_oldstuff is offline  
Old 15th Jan 2018, 3:13 pm   #4
robin coleman
Hexode
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire, UK.
Posts: 354
Default Re: Spectrum 48K power supply

An unregulated 9v power supply will do as they have a regulator fitted inside as I used to make the pubs for them. Check the centre pin is negative but you can buy solder on plugs still and wire to suit, or you can possibly buy a multi powered tx and some of them you can switch polarity with the switch fitted,.

Regards, Robin.
robin coleman is offline  
Old 15th Jan 2018, 5:34 pm   #5
David G4EBT
Dekatron
 
David G4EBT's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Cottingham, East Yorkshire, UK.
Posts: 5,737
Default Re: Spectrum 48K power supply

You'll be aware that the 48K Spectrum had a small black power supply. Don't know if it would suitable for your needs or if you'd prefer to try to obtain an original black one, but I've got a tested 128K Spectrum +2 Power Supply Unit, rated at 9V 2.1A, centre pin negative. If you'd like it (or anyone else if not), £5.00 plus £3.00 post via My Hermes if that sounds fair.

Drop me a PM if interested.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	Sincliar Sspectrum 128 PSU pic1.jpg
Views:	137
Size:	48.9 KB
ID:	155511   Click image for larger version

Name:	Sinclair Spectrum Badge.jpg
Views:	138
Size:	42.9 KB
ID:	155512  
__________________
David.
BVWS Member.
G-QRP Club member 1339.
David G4EBT is online now  
Old 21st Jan 2018, 8:44 pm   #6
Brettski
Tetrode
 
Brettski's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: York, North Yorkshire, UK.
Posts: 65
Default Re: Spectrum 48K power supply

Good luck with the project . My second Computer as a kid. Just don’t wiggle that joystick interface too hard .

Regards .
Brettski is offline  
Old 22nd Jan 2018, 1:46 pm   #7
electronicskip
Nonode
 
electronicskip's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Gloucester, Glos. UK.
Posts: 2,149
Default Re: Spectrum 48K power supply

I use Spectrum power supplies to run my Atari 2600 consoles.
electronicskip is offline  
Old 22nd Jan 2018, 7:02 pm   #8
jay_oldstuff
Octode
 
jay_oldstuff's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Hyde, Greater Manchester, UK.
Posts: 1,074
Default Re: Spectrum 48K power supply

Are you sure you dont mean ZX81 PSU? the atari 2600 uses a 3.5mm jack for the PSU so does the ZX81 the Spectrum uses a barrel connector. Interestingly i use a atari 2600 PSU to run my ZX81.
__________________
The light at the end of the tunnel is probably the headlight of an oncoming train
jay_oldstuff is offline  
Old 22nd Jan 2018, 9:03 pm   #9
electronicskip
Nonode
 
electronicskip's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Gloucester, Glos. UK.
Posts: 2,149
Default Re: Spectrum 48K power supply

Yes!! I stand corrected.
electronicskip is offline  
Closed Thread

Thread Tools



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 7:32 pm.


All information and advice on this forum is subject to the WARNING AND DISCLAIMER located at https://www.vintage-radio.net/rules.html.
Failure to heed this warning may result in death or serious injury to yourself and/or others.


Powered by vBulletin®
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Copyright ©2002 - 2023, Paul Stenning.