prindle@NADC.ARPA (Frank Prindle) (06/16/89)
Last night I absolutely confirmed that the Radio Shack 18 Volt center-tapped 2 Amp transformer (currently on sale for $6.88 in Philadelphia area) works fine to supply the required 9 Volts A.C. The power supply for one of my 64s now consists of this transformer (use one side of the secondary and the center tap for 9 volts - tape up the other secondary lead), and a tiny Power General 5 volt, 4 amp potted switching supply that works right off of the 115VAC line (picked up 4 of them at Trenton for $4.00 each!). So for those of you looking for the right 9V transformer, it's as near as your local Radio Shack. With the typical load of a C64 (1 amp for older 64s, somewhat less for newer), the A.C. voltage at the center tap is about 9.5 volts, and the transformer, though it gets a bit warm, is running at half or less of it's rated current. Extra 5V reserve in the supply to handle accessories and/or a 17xx doesn't hurt either. Just make sure you don't use the full (18V) secondary winding, unless you like the odor of smoking electronic components! Sincerely, Frank Prindle Prindle@NADC.arpa