In message <[email protected]>, Adrian D. Ives
<[email protected]> writes
Hi Adrian,
Well ... you have tried two of the best electronic parts spares, and not
found the connector.
Obviously, not a popular one for any other devices ... :-(
As you say you can make up your own connector with the PCB headers - a
cheap and cheerful solution. Although fairly fragile if used in a
removable way. Which you probably will not need to do, though.
I have also used the DIN style plugs on electronic projects as the power
supply lead, as they are tough and removable.
I guess you will also have to continue your search for an "original"
NewBrain power supply, too.
Anyway, let us know when it "powers up" ... :-)
Malcolm,
I've just been trudging through the snail's pace web site that is
Maplin Electronics ;) They don't have that particular connector, nor
could I find it on Radiospares, so I've plumped for two 3 pin PCB
header connectors which have the same pitch and can hopefully be glued
side by side to do the job. I don't like doing it this way, because
I'd really like to restore the PSU as close as possible to its
original state, but also I need to find out if this NewBrain actually
works. ;)
Regards,
Adrian
---
On Tuesday, October 27, 2009, 6:38:02 PM, you wrote:
MC> In message <[email protected]>, Adrian D. Ives
MC> <[email protected]> writes
MC> Hi Adrian,
MC> I have a Grundy NewBrain PSU, that is labelled as - 6.5v at 1.2A - with
MC> the other information rubbed over with a black marker of some sort.
MC> It is enclosed in a brown thermoset plastic ( a longer rectangular shape
MC> that the original Sinclair PSU ) and has two proper metal heating
MC> distribution fins.
MC> I have used it with my QL machines for many years, with no problems - it
MC> a lot quieter and cooler in operation than an original Sinclair version.
MC> It has the 3-pin connector to fit the QL machine.
MC> So, this will be the "converted" version for the QL.
MC> Which you also appear to have, too.
MC> Try Maplins, for example, for the correct connector that you are
MC> seeking.
MC> Good luck with the "NewBrain" ... I hope your "old brain" is up to the
MC> task ... :-)
I recently acquired a Grundy NewBrain PSU with the intention to use it
with a NewBrain Model A that I had recently purchased second hand. As
soon as the unit arrived I knew that I recognized it from somewhere,
yet I have never had any previous exposure to the NewBrain (this new
interest only came about after watching Micro Men). Anyway, I was
astonished to find that the computer-side lead terminated in a QL
power connector. Needless to say this will not fit the 6 pin BERG
connector on the NewBrain and, anyway, three pins can't carry three
power lines and a ground return.
I did some research on the internet and discovered that it's possible
to use a NewBrain PSU to power the QL by connecting directly to the
transformer secondary for the AC source and shorting out the
temperature trip to allow the unit's 6.5V DC output to overrun enough
to run the QL's 9V input (QL needs 1.8A, the NewBrain PSU is rated to
1.2A). I have to say this seems like a rather dubious arrangement to
me, but, anyway, my real question is this:
I'm sure I have a vague memory of using a PSU just like this to run a
QL in the distant past. Were these ever converted and sold
commercially as alternative QL PSUs? I'm just interested.
And I don't suppose anyone could recommend a source for the 6 pin BERG
connector (two rows of 3, keyway centre top, opposite side to guide)
so that I can put this PSU back to its original state?
Regards,
Adrian
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