Commodore 128 Alive!

Hi!
I have bought a C128 flat but without PSU :(
I live in Europe (Greece) and I cannot find one in Ebay (co.uk,de).

Is there any alternatives?
I mean can a PC / C64 / Amiga500 PSU with modifications be used?

Thanx in advance!

Any PSU can be used as long as it provides +5v DC and 9v AC, because that's what the C128 needs. It needs both in order to function.

You can find the layout of the power connector here (http://www.commodore128.org/pinouts/pinouts.html).

Thanx for your answer!
I was under the impression that C128 is very "picky" concerning the PSU.

I think that a PC PSU provides both 5V and 9V...at least I hope :)

Another question...is the 5pin PSU plug propiertary or can it be found in "electronics" shops?

I don't know how picky it is but I don't think that 5V and 9V from it's own supply or from another will matter. It's not that picky :)

It might get somewhat difficult to find the power connector, I don't think it's a standard connector. I just checked the PSU of my Amiga 500 and it looks similiar to the one for the C128 but they are not interchangeable. The PSU for the Amiga produces +5v and +12v. However, the connector that plugs into the computer is the same as that of a C128 PSU so at least you can use that :)

BTW, be sure to check that the PSU you will use is powerful enough (i.e can produce the needed current) to drive the C128. To make things easier for you I've taken a picture of my C128 PSU (click to enlarge).


You can also try and search ebay for "commodore netzteil", that's the German word for PSU. A PSU for the C128 can be found there from time to time.

thanx a lot!

A friend of mine told me, that a C64 PSU can be used with a proper modding in the c128 motherboard plug.
The difference is 2W.
I do not if it is true though...

A C64 PSU will barely power a C64 on a good day. Please don't try to use it for a C128.

Can I use an internal C128D psu in a C128? (as external of course! :))

Quote from: Wally on June 19, 2009, 11:34 PM
Can I use an internal C128D psu in a C128? (as external of course! :))

Yes. The c128d is of a higher rating as it drives the internal floppy drive as well. :)
I have seen this done by placing it into a metal box and adding a c128 lead and plug.
Remember to earth the metal case by screwing the green earth lead to the metal case as well.

Airship is 100% correct you can not use a c64 power supply, but a c128 power pack makes a great c64 power supply. as used on c64web.com as it runs 24/7 :)

Quote from: zap on June 26, 2009, 11:22 PMThe c128d is of a higher rating as it drives the internal floppy drive as well. :)

Here in North America, the C128DCR uses a power supply of 4.4 amps @ 5 volts, compared to the external C128 p.s. of 4.3 amps @ 5 volts.

              Had to replace one of those some time ago,
              Robert Bernardo
              Fresno Commodore User Group
              http://videocam.net.au/fcug
              July 25-26 Commodore Vegas Expo - http://www.portcommodore.com/commvex

Quote from: SmallCleverDinosaur on March 31, 2009, 11:05 PMIt might get somewhat difficult to find the power connector, I don't think it's a standard connector.

I believe once I have seen an online electronics reseller claiming to have those five pin square connectors suitable for the C128 and Amiga. However I don't think they had any designation what it is known as. Furthermore I can't recall at what website I saw it, but it was one year ago or so.

As you may have seen, people with broken Amigas and/or power supplies sometimes cut off the cable and sell that loose for good money on the auction sites, intended for those building their own heavy duty power supplies.