Universal Retro Console Power Adapter (RetroDC)

[Thierry Henry]

The RetroDC Power Adapter is a brand new solution for supplying power to a variety of RETRO consoles & console combinations such as:

Sega Genesis/MD Model 1/2 + CD/Mega CD Model 1/2 + 32x. (That is right! No more of that triple adapter nonsense).
Nintendo Famicom + Famicom Disk System.
Atari Jaguar + Jaguar CD.
Many, many more!

The RetroDC Power Adapter can handle voltages of anywhere between 100V to 240V and outputs a stable 9V at a maximum of 3A of current, making it perfect for MOST retro game consoles.

Compatibility list:

http://retrodcpowered.com/




I managed to put an order in before the current batch got sold out.

Judging from that YT vid this looks like a solid product.

[CRTGAMER]

45 bucks for a power adapter! That is a little steep. I get the thought process of one power brick for multiple consoles, but keep in mind only 3amp rating and there is still a power lead to each console. A power strip would be cheaper, especially since most console purchased will come with the original power cord. The one size fits all power brick limits to only one or two consoles on at a time (one on only is the norm with just one TV); if two consoles are accidentally turned the brick might blow.

There is also a concern of the 9v output. Some consoles have a lower or higher voltage; the Sega 32x Module requires 10v and the TG16 requires 10.5v for example. They might work with only 9v, but possible shorten the life of the capacitors inside.

[Ziggy]

Cool.

So is this guy having these adapters specially made? Or is he using some pre-existing power brick and modifying it with the 4-way cable end and a sticker?

Damn, if this guy couldn't find a NA SNES plug for his adapter then I guess they really are impossible to get.

There is also a concern of the 9v output. Some consoles have a lower or higher voltage; the Sega 32x Module requires 10v and the TG16 requires 10.5v for example. They might work with only 9v, but possible shorten the life of the capacitors inside.

I'm not too sure about that. I doubt the 32x or TG16 have any components inside that actually require 10v or 10.5v. If you open any retro console up, you'll find that the power input usually goes straight to a voltage regulator, which steps the voltage down (usually 5v in most retro consoles). I don't think you'll be shortening the life of anything.

[ApolloBoy]

There is also a concern of the 9v output. Some consoles have a lower or higher voltage; the Sega 32x Module requires 10v and the TG16 requires 10.5v for example. They might work with only 9v, but possible shorten the life of the capacitors inside.

Ever heard of voltage tolerance? 9V is well within range of those systems' voltage regulators. The input caps in those are also usually rated for 16V or above so the whole idea of 9V harming those consoles is ridiculous.

[Ziggy]

The SNES has the 7508 regulator, right? That thing can input any where from 7v to like 35v, and it'll spit out a constant 5v supply. And IIRC, a lot of retro console either use that same regulator or one with very similar specs.

[ApolloBoy]

The SNES has the 7508 regulator, right?

7805 actually. Most other consoles use it as well, the SNES isn't alone.

[KalessinDB]

Neat! Unfortunately, still a ways to go. No turbo cd, no SNES (though that can be modded with a normal Genesis jack so I'm sure it would work), then the weird adapters from 7800 and Neo CD and such.

Great concept though

[marurun]

Japan has to generate durable power supplies. Half the country was wired for 60 hz and the other half for 50 hz. And even though their power system is 100 volt, that naturally fluctuates quite a bit, as does the 110 volt standard in the US.

[CRTGAMER]

There is also a concern of the 9v output. Some consoles have a lower or higher voltage; the Sega 32x Module requires 10v and the TG16 requires 10.5v for example. They might work with only 9v, but possible shorten the life of the capacitors inside.

Ever heard of voltage tolerance? 9V is well within range of those systems' voltage regulators. The input caps in those are also usually rated for 16V or above so the whole idea of 9V harming those consoles is ridiculous.

I would rather have an exact match voltage and at least minimal amps on a decades old expensive Retro Console. Do I really want to take a risk (no matter how small even with the guessed tolerance) on kicking the volts up or down then what the console is rated for?

[ApolloBoy]

Do I really want to take a risk (no matter how small even with the guessed tolerance) on kicking the volts up or down then what the console is rated for?

A one volt difference is not taking a risk, you're overreacting. Also that "guessed" tolerance is anything but guessed, it's in the 7805's datasheet.