Anybody using a stepdown converter 120/100v and a surge protector?

[kazekirifx]

I bought one for my X68k, since the power supplies on that system are known to fail, and mine still has the original unmodded power supply.

For PCE and all other systems, I've never bothered. I think unplugging the systems when not in use is precaution enough.

[thesteve]

thats true of most things

[dq333]

After using the step-down for a couple of months now, I am pretty happy.  PCE is definitely running cooler as is my Saturn. 

[TheClash603]

I have fried two Twin Famicoms, so apprently there is one system that goes against the "you dont need to use it" rule.

[BlueBMW]

I bought one for my X68k, since the power supplies on that system are known to fail, and mine still has the original unmodded power supply.

For PCE and all other systems, I've never bothered. I think unplugging the systems when not in use is precaution enough.

Let me know which X68k you have and I can probably send you a cap kit for the power supply if you need it.  Definitely refurb that PSU soon!

Also good to know there are more x68k owners out there!

[kazekirifx]

Let me know which X68k you have and I can probably send you a cap kit for the power supply if you need it.  Definitely refurb that PSU soon!
Also good to know there are more x68k owners out there!

ACE. No one ever has the ACE one on Yahoo auctions, so...
I'd really just as soon keep using the original until it breaks, then worry about it.
Not sure why people are all in such a rush to change theirs. Does the whole system die along with the power supply?

[BlueBMW]

No but if you wait until it fails completely then youll end up having to replace a lot more components in your power supply than just the caps.  If you can recap / clean off the leaked fluid before it pops then you can avoid having to replace diodes etc.

Or wait til it pops and shoehorn an ITX supply in there.  As long as you dont use an internal hard drive it fits nicely. I can give you the model number of the power supply I installed in an expert HD unit.

[kazekirifx]

No but if you wait until it fails completely then youll end up having to replace a lot more components in your power supply than just the caps.  If you can recap / clean off the leaked fluid before it pops then you can avoid having to replace diodes etc.

Or wait til it pops and shoehorn an ITX supply in there.  As long as you dont use an internal hard drive it fits nicely. I can give you the model number of the power supply I installed in an expert HD unit.

Recapping and cleaning off the leaked fluid sounds like a good option. Is it possible to get the correct caps for the ACE?

[thesteve]

its possible to replace old caps with better caps, or OE Spec

[kazekirifx]

its possible to replace old caps with better caps, or OE Spec

Yeah. By 'correct' I meant ones that will work with the ACE. Don't have to be the same as the original.

[BlueBMW]

I believe the ACE uses the same "tetris block" power supply as the Expert does.  Here's a chart I made showing the values / locations of the caps:



Alternately, let it fail and replace later with an ITX unit like this:




Thats an Apevia ITX-AP250W

More details on the swap can be found on gamesx.com and here's the thread detailing my replacement: http://nfggames.com/forum2/index.php?topic=4785.0

[nat]

I've never even considered using a stepdown here in the US to run JP stuff.

The chances of your stepdown malfunctioning and damaging your system/PSU are far greater than the chances of the system being damaged when plugged right into the wall without a stepdown.

It's like people that are afraid to fly in airplanes because they're afraid the plane will crash and they'll die. Fact is, the chances of dying in a car crash are exponentially higher than the chance you'd be involved in a plane crash.

The only thing you'd have to worry about being plugged straight into the wall is power surges, which would affect all your electronics, JP or not. Get a high quality surge protector and turn it off when you aren't playing and you'll be better off than you'd be with any stepdown converter.

(European members disregard everything written above.)

[kazekirifx]

Thanks for the info, BMW. I don't have the system with me now, but I'll keep this info handy.

[SignOfZeta]

After using the step-down for a couple of months now, I am pretty happy.  PCE is definitely running cooler as is my Saturn. 

Um...neither the PCE or SS should produce any detectible heat whatsoever. I've been running an JP Saturn for about 13 years without issue. I also have a Duo R (running Radio Shack PSU) and an IFU set-up with the original 22+ year old PSU. If your SS and PCE are actually getting hot...somethings is wrong. Probably your medication needs to be adjusted.

The power supply inside a JP Saturn is almost certainly identical to a US model with the only difference I know of being the usual unpolarized power cord. The PCE's power supply is external so that makes even less sense. Any excess heat would be in the PSU.

Honestly, it would be interesting to see exactly what voltage these things are putting out...

[Necromancer]

...somethings is wrong. Probably your medication needs to be adjusted.

Ha!  Perhaps he's having hot flashes?