Posted By
MMS
on 2019-01-28
12:56:36
 |  Best PSU for C16 ?
Though it was discussed few times, I did not find a separate topic to that point.
Maybe it will be easier this way for newcomers.
I do remember from my childhood, how weak the original C16 PSU was.
It was broken down two times (I think one time the fuse, the other case one graetz diode), fortunately my father was a technician, and could repair it both times.
I suppose the heavy datasette use (FFWD) and the internal 64K RAM explansions played a role here.
Repairing the C16 original Power supply just restore the original (low wattage) design, so the next defect could be forecasted with heavy use.
So I highly suggest to purchase a more robust PSU.
ZX Spectrum Plus or 128K had such a power supply unit, and still available from some online shops.
Those have exactly the necessary unregulated 9V output, and has >1.4 - 1.8 A rating and has the same connector.
So even if you add 64K RAM, use the datasette or even install an internal mircoIEC or SD2IEC device, should not cause any problem for these PSUs.
I just link a shop you can buy such, and a YT link explaning the differences.
At 2:10 you can see the rating comparison, all of these have the same connector and polarity the C16 requires.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTRiS4isYGk
This link will vanish later, this is the cost. I think 12Ł is rather fair price for a high wattage, tested working PSU. (in comparison: a C64 PSU ranges between 19.99 and 49.00Ł)
https://www.retrogames.co.uk/028477/Sinclair/Sinclair-Spectrum-Power-Supply
I can say, managing C16 power supply issues is much easier than the Plus/4 brother's one with the special connector (not available anywhere)
C16 has more space inside, less heating elements. So, I think after solving C16's PSU problems, it should be a more reliable partner, than the Plus/4.
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