DC: Change Japanese power unit with PAL?!

[humankebap]

Hi,

I recently bought a japanese Dreamcast model with a region modchip. The console is pretty neat and I am very happy with it, if only I didn't need a step-down converter all the time!!!

I have a whole lot of Dreamcast spare parts, GD drives etc... And this PAL power unit card (not sure how to call it properly, the part which supplies the dC with power.)

So my question is: Would it work to just replace the Japanese power unit with my pal power unit and thus enable me to use the japanese console on my European power outlet without the need of a step-down converter? Or will this destroy my dreamcast, enslave humanity and kill hundreds of innocent penguins?

I'm really looking forward to any replies

thanks in advance

[lisalover1]

Or will this destroy my dreamcast, enslave humanity and kill hundreds of innocent penguins?

No, of course not. Puffins will be the ones who will spontaneously combust.

[gtmtnbiker]

So my question is: Would it work to just replace the Japanese power unit with my pal power unit and thus enable me to use the japanese console on my European power outlet without the need of a step-down converter?

Theoretically, that should work. The job of the power unit is to convert AC voltage to DC. I would just look at the two power units. Make sure they have the same output connections that go to the same place on the motherboard. Before you pull the unit out of the PAL motherboard, power it on and check the voltages and verify that they're the same as the Japanese unit for the same spots.

[CRTGAMER]

So my question is: Would it work to just replace the Japanese power unit with my pal power unit and thus enable me to use the japanese console on my European power outlet without the need of a step-down converter?

Theoretically, that should work. The job of the power unit is to convert AC voltage to DC. I would just look at the two power units. Make sure they have the same output connections that go to the same place on the motherboard. Before you pull the unit out of the PAL motherboard, power it on and check the voltages and verify that they're the same as the Japanese unit for the same spots.

Agree, internal PCB should be same direct current voltage. Power transformer itself does the 220 volt power conversion or in the case of U.S. 110 volt step down.

[ToKeN]

no it does work! i also done it with my pal ps1, i changed it's power supply to u.s and no problems so go ahead

[humankebap]

Thank you for your replies!

Perhaps I just give it a try and see what happens.

Even though I really am a bit scared about wrecking my beloved DC (killed 2 already with my very bad soldering skills) :-/

I guess only 3 results are likely to happen:

a) it works
b) it doesn't work
c) it doesn't work + the PSU melts down

Even if the power unit melts, I don't suppose this will harm the other hardware components. Or am I wrong?

[humankebap]

It worked!

Thanks again for all your replies

[CRTGAMER]

Good news, thanks for confirming our guessstimates, oops I mean accurate advice.