Posted By
mozartpc27
on 2016-01-24
16:19:29
|  Want to Buy: Commodore 1551
I've been interested in buying a Commodore 1551 for a bit. I lost out on a couple that were available on eBay in November - December, and let one pass in that time frame as well. Now I have the money and none are coming up. Anyone looking to sell one? Reply and perhaps we can talk.
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Posted By
gerliczer
on 2016-01-25
01:56:27
| Re: Want to Buy: Commodore 1551
Did you try Amibay, too? They have 8 bit Commodore section.
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Posted By
mozartpc27
on 2016-01-25
13:11:04
| Re: Want to Buy: Commodore 1551
Didn't know about Amibay. Will think about registering there.
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Posted By
Chicken
on 2016-01-25
15:45:14
 | Re: Want to Buy: Commodore 1551
Are you from the US?
I'm asking because most 1551s are European ones (especially those on eBay). So they would require a different PSU if you want to use them on that side of the big pond.
At least all the European 1551s that I've seen come with an internal 220V/240V PSU. So if you buy one from Europe, you need a new internal PSU (for instance one from a North American 1541).
Further advice: Don't buy an "untested" 1551. Many of those have a defunct chip in the paddle (that connects to the expansion port) and those are really hard to get.
Once you get a 1551, open it up and check if there's this filter somewhere in the back:
http://mikenaberezny.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/filter-closeup.jpg
I'd recommend to by-pass it after a test run because these filters when aged tend to cause trouble – they might even blow up.
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Posted By
mozartpc27
on 2016-01-25
21:58:11
| Re: Want to Buy: Commodore 1551
Chicken, thank you for this information. I was wondering about the PSU issue, since yes, I know that 1551s were produced mostly (exclusively?) in Europe. I have a couple of 1541-IIs on hand and could perform the surgery... if that would work with a 1541-II.
Thanks too for the "untested" warning.
Some interesting hurdles to clear it sounds like.
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Posted By
gerliczer
on 2016-01-26
02:59:58
| Re: Want to Buy: Commodore 1551
mozartpc27,
I think you managed to miss that Chicken was talking about a 1541 internal PSU. The external ones of the 1541-II will not really do the job, unless you are satisfied with modded/hacked electronics and case.
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Posted By
mozartpc27
on 2016-01-26
18:17:48
| Re: Want to Buy: Commodore 1551
gerliczer, thank you for the clarification. I've never actually owned a 1541 (only have the two 1541-IIs), so it's been a while since I've seen a 1541 in person and in action. I primarily use a 128 with a 1571 & 1581 now.
I have managed to acquire a 1551 through a purchase from the United Kingdom on ebay. Chicken, I appreciate your advice regarding "untested" drives, but I am afraid I decided to roll the dice here on a drive that has been powered on to test, but not otherwise played with. It was originally part of a lot that included a Plus/4, tape drive, monitor, and printer. To ship all of that would have been excessive, so I made a deal with the seller only to acquire the 1551 at the high end of market price based on the last several I looked at.
The seller deals in estate stuff and seems to be very reputable, from what I can tell from his ebay profile. He simply may not have had the equipment or knowledge to properly test the drive. I know the motto here: caveat emptor. I've gambled before and it has paid off; will have to hope for similar results here.
I'll check in as things progress to let you all know how it is going!
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Posted By
gerliczer
on 2016-01-27
01:45:09
| Re: Want to Buy: Commodore 1551
There are proper voltage converters that do the frequency conversion too. Sometimes they are called inverters. I did a cursory search (60 to 50 Hz voltage converter) but the first promising link had industrial use devices (rack mount and stand-alone cabinet type units, probably well in the kW power range), but I'm sure there is such equipment for home use.
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Posted By
SVS
on 2016-01-27
06:07:30
 | Re: Want to Buy: Commodore 1551
The 1551 is a sensitive device. I know it because I own 2 of them.
The most critical part, in my experience, is the cartridge electronic. Then it is highly recommended to test it connected to a Plus/4 in order to know if it truly works.
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Posted By
RobertB
on 2016-01-27
22:26:33
| Re: Want to Buy: Commodore 1551
FWIW, I had Ray Carlsen convert the 1551 I brought back from England, and yes, he used an internal 1541 p.s. for the conversion.
Truly,
Robert Bernardo
Fresno Commodore User Group
http://www.dickestel.com/fcug.htm
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Posted By
mozartpc27
on 2016-02-01
17:56:18
| Re: Want to Buy: Commodore 1551
So, the Commodore 1551 I ordered from the UK arrived today.
I understand that in order to get it to work in the USA, I'll need to swap out the PSU with a 1541 PSU. I've already acquired a working 1541 PSU.
This is a "surgery" I have never performed, however. So, before I go charging off to do this, does anyone have any advice? Is the PSU swap all I need to perform? Would I be better off just investing in a step-up transformer (seems like one can be had for about $20)? Anyone ever done this who has any words of wisdom, caution, etc.?
I appreciate any and all advice!
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Posted By
JamesC
on 2016-02-01
23:33:03
| Re: Want to Buy: Commodore 1551
The 1541 power transformer sits on a metal bracket. Same with the 1551 power transformer. There is no need to remove the transformer from its bracket for this procedure.
Once you strip the 1551 down to where you can remove the transformer bracket, remove it, and insert the 1541's transformer bracket in its place. The screws line up, the notches for the wiring line up, it's literally swapping one thing for an identical thing. (Other than the input voltage, obviously.)
If you didn't get the 1541 transformer on a bracket, then pay attention to how you take the 1551 transformer off its bracket. Put the 1541 transformer on the very same way. Piece of cake.
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Posted By
mozartpc27
on 2016-02-02
00:53:21
| Re: Want to Buy: Commodore 1551
I did get it on the bracket.
I am tempted to attempt this myself - just want to be sure I am not going to fry the thing!
I probably won't get to it until the weekend regardless.
In the mean time, I am contemplating just buying and using a step up transformer to be safe. Any reason this one wouldn't work?
It won't let me include a link, but here is the bay item number: 351412500127
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Posted By
gerliczer
on 2016-02-02
03:13:55
| Re: Want to Buy: Commodore 1551
There is a secret technique for including links. It is sooooo secret that if you click the Forum Help link right above the message entry fields and scroll down to the lower third of the newly opened page it will be listed in the Formatting section. It won't be as pretty as a real HTML links, but it will work.
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Posted By
Chicken
on 2016-02-02
06:13:02
| Re: Want to Buy: Commodore 1551
A step up transformer will work. Even if it's not taking care of the 50Hz/60Hz issue. This has been discussed here a long time ago and members actually did this (so it's not vague "in theory" ranting  ).
You can skip the first postings and scroll down to my post from 2010-08-21 17:48:21
http://plus4world.powweb.com/forum/20008
There I compiled all the information you need from previous posts.
However, exchanging the internal PSU is the "cleaner" way to make the 1551 work. It's really not difficult to do and if you already have the 1541 PSU you don't need to spend money on the step up transformer.
There are various members who did this succesfully. Here's a n example:
http://plus4world.powweb.com/forum/23284
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Posted By
JamesC
on 2016-02-02
11:26:36
| Re: Want to Buy: Commodore 1551
@Chicken - I am one of the people you are quoting in your links.
The 1551, 1570, and 1581 don't have a 50Hz/60Hz issue. I have converted two European 1551's by substituting the internal transformer from US 1541s. I occasionally use an Australian 1570 on an external step-up transformer.
I have also sent a US 1581 to a friend in Europe, who uses it with a European 1541-II power transformer without issue. 
@Mozartpc27 - in my opinion, the only reason to need an external step-up transformer is if you want to test the drive before substituting the 1541 transformer. The extra reassurance of a "clean slate" before you start disassembly may be of value to you.
The transformer I use is a RadioShack 273-1411, which is rated for commercial (continual) use. This is no longer available from "new" RS, but your local store might still have some in stock. Alternately, they're available on Ebay in the $15-ish range.
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Posted By
Chicken
on 2016-02-02
11:55:22
| Re: Want to Buy: Commodore 1551
JamesC … I know But since it was already there, why not post a link?
With "50Hz/60Hz issue" I just meant, that these (simple) step-up transformers don't output 220-240V/50Hz but 220-240V/60Hz. I wanted to point this out because ppl have wondered if this may have an effect on the drives. Obviously, it doesn't
The other way around (US drives with internal PSUs running on 50Hz and a step-down transformer in Europe) may be problematic as BushRat stated.
Yes, external PSUs have never been a problem at all. They can just be replaced by the European/US ones.
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Posted By
mozartpc27
on 2016-02-02
14:42:40
| Re: Want to Buy: Commodore 1551
JamesC, thanks for the information. I think, for the moment, I've decided to go the step-up step-down transformer route, because, having opened up the 1551, I am a little loath to try this myself - I have no electrical experience and don't want to try this and screw it up (since I paid a nice sum for the drive).
Therefore, I've looked around on ebay, and I found the item, I think, that you are describing. One thing to note - it says it will work with devices requiring up to 40W, but the 1551 would appear to draw 55 W. Yet, the item number is what you posted. So, will it work?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/291653143182?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&fromMakeTrack=true>
If not, how about this one:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/351412500127?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
I really appreciate everyone's time and patience with me on this!
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Posted By
JamesC
on 2016-02-02
16:48:36
| Re: Want to Buy: Commodore 1551
@Mozart, you won't be running the 1551 at its maximum power draw *continuously*. 40W is sufficient for normal read/write operations, just don't format disks 24/7.
In other words, the 55W you see on the 1541's serial plate is its maximum draw, not it's typical "under normal usage" draw. EDIT TO ADD: the 1551 users manual, on page 86, states that the drive only needs 25W. :)
The other one you link on Ebay has a *peak* rating of 200W. If you dig into the seller's details, it's designed for up to 130W at a continuous, ongoing rate. This is more than enough for the current project, and it's not that much more expensive than the RS one. Up to you.
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Posted By
mozartpc27
on 2016-02-02
19:02:50
| Re: Want to Buy: Commodore 1551
Thanks JamesC, I went with the slightly cheaper Radio Shack version.
Now to see if the darn drive works at all!
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Posted By
Chicken
on 2016-02-03
08:17:36
| Re: Want to Buy: Commodore 1551
Good luck Hopefully, everything works fine. Check out Csory's programs for the 1551. His fast loaders and copy tools are considered the best by most 1551 users.
Btw, it sounds like you had a look inside the 1551 already. Does it have the filter I mentioned in my first post? If not, you are fine. If so, you should sooner or later find somebody to by-pass it for you (if you don't want to do it yourself).
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Posted By
crock
on 2016-02-03
11:05:45
 | Re: Want to Buy: Commodore 1551
I happened to have 2 1551's to hand on the bench so quickly opened them up. The line filters were not the 'can' type linked to above. They were the type that is incorporated into the IEC power socket, like these.
http://www.qualtekusa.com/products_IEC_connector_filters.php
They are just as prone to failure in old equipment as the can's though, so I would still replace them. You can just replace them with a plain old IEC C14 chassis mounted sockets, like these.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/291269620742
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Posted By
MMS
on 2016-02-03
12:30:05
 | Re: Want to Buy: Commodore 1551
yes, from this point the 1541/II and 1581 are much more international and easy to convert, not to mention the ease of repair (i mean: swap). Strange, that the even more modern looking 1571 again had built in psu...
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Posted By
mozartpc27
on 2016-02-08
21:49:21
| Re: Want to Buy: Commodore 1551
Good news: I got a voltage converter and tested the drive, and it works perfectly! Won't have much time to play with it before the weekend, but at least I know now for sure I don't have a dud on my hands!
Special shout out to JamesC, because on his recommendation I got the transformer from RadioShack he mentioned. One caveat I hadn't realized: that transformer only accepts European-style input, but, as my drive came from the UK, I have a UK style power cord. No matter, however: i have a male to male converter that allows me to convert the UK cord to a European one. So, I have the drive running through that, then the transformer, then the outlet.
Maybe at some point I'll get a Euro power cord.
I'll still think about converting the 1551 internally, but some on another board have suggested that could tank its value. Not sure I totally buy that.
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