Wrong AC adapter- Damaging my NES Top-loader?

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Opa Opa

Wrong AC adapter- Damaging my NES Top-loader?

Post by Opa Opa »

I've had my top-loading NES for years and I cannot recall the original Nintendo brand ac adapter ever working. Ever since I was a kid I've been using a Sega Genesis Model 1 Ac Adapter to power it. It works fine and I never leave it plugged up over night.

Have I been doing the wrong thing for years and permanently damaged my NES by using different voltages and whatnot? I'm not a very electrically knowledgeable person so any help is appreciated.

Edit: By the way, this is the only console I do this with. I'm not a total ignoramus. :wink:
I just don't have another adapter to use.
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Re: Wrong AC adapter- Damaging my NES Top-loader?

Post by Flake »

As long as the voltage matches up and the wattage is within the tolerance ranges for the console, it should be fine. Not advised, but fine.
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SuperAnthony64
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Re: Wrong AC adapter- Damaging my NES Top-loader?

Post by SuperAnthony64 »

Ive been doing this with the Sega CD adapter.
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Bradtemple87
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Re: Wrong AC adapter- Damaging my NES Top-loader?

Post by Bradtemple87 »

Flake wrote:As long as the voltage matches up and the wattage is within the tolerance ranges for the console, it should be fine. Not advised, but fine.
bingo, voltage is all that you need to check on

There are a lot of power supply options out there for older systems if you need a 3rd party replacement
Opa Opa

Re: Wrong AC adapter- Damaging my NES Top-loader?

Post by Opa Opa »

Broken NES Adapter-
Input-AC 120V...60 Hz...17 W
Output-AC 9V...1.3A

Sega Gen Adapter-
Input-120V...60 Hz...35 W
Output-9V...DC 1.2A
---
The input wattage difference is twice that the nes would normally get. Do you think that's safe?
Flake
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Re: Wrong AC adapter- Damaging my NES Top-loader?

Post by Flake »

What does it say on the bottom of your NES2? It should specify a range.

But to be fair, voltage is what makes the most difference. If you've been using it awhile and haven't shorted it or blown a fuse yet, I wouldn't worry.
Maybe now Nintendo will acknowledge Metroid has a fanbase?
Opa Opa

Re: Wrong AC adapter- Damaging my NES Top-loader?

Post by Opa Opa »

Here is all the info:
"NES Control Deck
Model No. NES-101
Rating: AC9V 850mA
Use with AC Adapter
No. NES-002 Only."
...
Then it lists some patent information. Don't see anything about a range. :?
I guess it's alright to continue what I'm doing. It's been working for over 15 years so I'm not going to worry. If it does break I'll try to fix it or get a front loader and just display the top loader.
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Hateshinai
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Re: Wrong AC adapter- Damaging my NES Top-loader?

Post by Hateshinai »

Opa Opa wrote:Broken NES Adapter-
Input-AC 120V...60 Hz...17 W
Output-AC 9V...1.3A

Sega Gen Adapter-
Input-120V...60 Hz...35 W
Output-9V...DC 1.2A
---
The input wattage difference is twice that the nes would normally get. Do you think that's safe?
It's the output that matters because that's what's going into the console. The voltages match (9V) and the amperages are almost identical. In fact the Genesis one is slightly lower so it will not overload the NES for sure.
Mostly harmless
Opa Opa

Re: Wrong AC adapter- Damaging my NES Top-loader?

Post by Opa Opa »

Thanks everyone. :wink:
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ChuChu Flamingo
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Re: Wrong AC adapter- Damaging my NES Top-loader?

Post by ChuChu Flamingo »

Polarity also matters as well or you could mess up your voltage regulator. Usually there is a range, but you don't want to try to max it out. Sometimes running with more than the typical voltage, even though it can handle it, makes it run extremely hot.
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