Power

[Paddyfitz18]

So I recently snagged at Turbografx-16, just a standard/base/stock unit.  The console is in overall nice condition and good working order, etc. except I am not crazy about the aftermarket power supply that I got with it.

Of course I've owned a few of these consoles in the past and have used SMS/Genesis plug without any visible issues, and the specs on this aftermarket unit is similar to those.   Anyway the amps are sufficient on the aftermarket, but it is a 9VDC instead of the 10.5VDC that was stock with the Turbo.  Also, I just don't like the looks of it, it just has a rather cheap look and feel.

I was at a reputable used game dealer in my area, and asked if they had any original plugs in stock, which they did not but he offered to sell me the exact same aftermarket plug I already had.  Said it would work fine.

Anyway, I already went ahead and (surely overpaying) bought an original Turbo power supply off of Ebay.  I just don't feel like messing around and I wanted the original part.

I wondered if there are any opinions about this out there.  Could a  9V vs 10.5V aftermarket power supply on the original U.S. TG-16 cause damage over time?  Or, would the lower-voltage supply have been fine, and I was therefore a big fool to go ahead and just buy the original part on Ebay?



 

[ApolloBoy]

9V will work just fine, just make sure that the polarity is correct and the amperage is at or above 800 mA.

[Paddyfitz18]

Yep the polarity is right and without having it in front of me here, my recollection is that the amperage is at or over 800 mA.   Thanks.  Either way when it comes down to it, I will be glad to have the stock power adapter for the purpose of having the console all original, and just to be on the safe side.

(By the way, Nulltard - I just started coming around these boards, but also had already come across your DoxPhile site.  Good stuff over there.)   

[turbokon]

I have several of stock tg16 power cords I could have sent you.

[ApolloBoy]

My understanding is that undervoltage is worse than overvoltage.

If it's below a certain point, yes. The 7805 regulator in the TG-16 can accept voltages as low as 7.5V, so 9V won't hurt anything at all. In fact, a little less voltage is better since the 7805 won't get as hot. Overvolting is way worse since the 7805 will get pretty hot at say, 12V. Anything higher will most likely cause the 7805 to shut down due to thermal overload.

[Paddyfitz18]

My understanding is that undervoltage is worse than overvoltage.

If it's below a certain point, yes. The 7805 regulator in the TG-16 can accept voltages as low as 7.5V, so 9V won't hurt anything at all. In fact, a little less voltage is better since the 7805 won't get as hot. Overvolting is way worse since the 7805 will get pretty hot at say, 12V. Anything higher will most likely cause the 7805 to shut down due to thermal overload.

Interesting.  That is good to know, thanks.

[Paddyfitz18]

I have several of stock tg16 power cords I could have sent you.

Cool man.  Much appreciated that you mentioned that.  Anyway assuming this one I got off of ebay works when it shows up, I'll be good to go.