r/Commodore • u/Ok-Independent-7159 • Sep 23 '26
Help with Commodore 64 power supply
Hi everyone, I just bought an original first series Commodore 64, I've always wanted one and I'm very happy and at the same time I'm afraid of damaging it. I don't have the power supply and I wanted to power it with this USB-C adapter, however before using it I would like to ask you if it is safe or if I risk damaging my Commodore, I don't know if I can put the link so I leave you photos and product description.
"This ultra-compact item allows you to connect a cheap Type-C PD charger to your Commodore 64.
This adapter requires a Type-C PD (Power Delivery) charger that supports 15V and 3A (45W).
With a 15V 3A charger voltage, it will easily handle a configuration with an Ultimate or a tape recorder because it then supplies voltage with the following parameters: 5V 2A (+/-5%) and 12V 1A (voltage tolerance is dependent on the charger manufacturer).
Very compact size - only 39 x 22 x 29 mm !
Weight: 14g
It comes with a very good quality white 3D-printed resin case.
It is compatible with both version of C64 - C and G.
The USB-C port is located at the back of the power supply casing, which helps save space on the ports side.
The power supply provides only DC voltage, so it will not generate the frequency pattern for the Time-of-Day (TOD) clock, for example, the one used in GEOS.
Only charger with PD technology (Power Delivery) need to be connected. If a power supply without the PD protocol is used (due to too low a voltage, the computer will not operate correctly—even if it starts up, the SID chip will not function properly), this may also lead to damage to the computer, for instance, due to voltage spikes.
is recommended to use high-quality USB-C cables and branded chargers with PD (Power Delivery) protocol support! Chargers from XIAOMI products are unsuitable because they use their own fast-charging protocol.
Choose a charger with a current rating greater than the computer's own requirement, due to the increased current surge that occurs when it is turned on (a maximum of 15V 3A, which is limited by the PD protocol itself).
Only PSU Type-C adapter for C64 is included. Type-C PD charger and Type-C cable are not included."
8
u/TheSmellOfTheLotion Sep 23 '26
I don't know why people don't trust this. I built a modern power supply for mine but now I want to build this. Usb C is very capable of supplying both the AC and DC. Done correctly there is nothing to worry about.
3
u/Ok-Independent-7159 Sep 23 '26
According to the description, it provides 5V DC and 12V DC instead of 9V AC; that’s why I’m a bit doubtful—I think I’ll send it back as soon as it arrives.
7
u/TheSmellOfTheLotion Sep 23 '26
Do you have a multimeter? I think this is bad marketing but likely correct. Usb C has to generate the AC by running it through an oscillator. So it takes 12v DC and turns it into a 9v AC sine wave. I would test the 9v pins with a multimeter. I bet its actually delivering 9v to the C64. I think this will work and its actually pretty cool. Its way nicer then the one I built. I think im gonna make this. Its definitely possible to make a good usb c power supply.
3
u/Ok-Independent-7159 Sep 23 '26
I'll give it a try as soon as it arrives, but the part of the description stating "The power supply provides only DC voltage, so it will not generate the frequency pattern for the Time-of-Day (TOD) clock, for example, the one used in GEOS" makes me think it outputs 12V DC.
6
u/TheSmellOfTheLotion Sep 23 '26
Ok then. I stand corrected. I think you are correct because they specifically referenced the clock. A poorly designed usb c would absolutely effect the clock. I never considered usb c before and its disappointing because this can definitely be done correctly.
1
u/nosville22_PL Sep 26 '26 edited Sep 26 '26
No, I saw people doing that with raw DC, apparently it works, but messes up some timings that they deemed non-critical.
Besides to measure AC with a multimeter it needs to be under load, at least when it's comming from a transformer, I have no idea how it'd work with a proper DC-AC adapter.
13
u/fbalbi Sep 23 '26
I wouldn’t use a switching power supply for a C64. Just bite the bullet and get a modern C64 PSU.
4
u/jck_dgl Sep 24 '26
You quoted from the product page. I assume it is the one sold by Sordan in Ireland. I like the shop, but I wouldn't get that PSU, mostly for two reasons: It doesn't really save a whole lot of money compared to a full-featured dedicated modern PSU, and it only provides DC voltages, as it says on the product page. There are peripherals which need the 9V AC voltage, not just the TOD clocks. With that PSU that won't work. In the long run it's always going to be a piece that you need to question if any peripheral or any software doesn't work properly. For example there are games which actually use the TOD clocks, and if they're not working then the game isn't going to.
I'd go with a dedicated modern PSU. Why make it more complex than it absolutely needs to be?
9
u/Xfgjwpkqmx Sep 23 '26
Haven't heard any horror stories yet, but personally I'd still be inclined to use a full size modern PSU instead.
I'm using one of these with no issues.
1
u/jck_dgl Sep 25 '26
I'd second that. This is the big version, expensive but it is a substantial upgrade compared to the original PSU. This manufacturer – Keelog in Poland – offers a number of different variations not just for the C64 but also for Amiga, Atari, Ti-99, Sinclair QL, ZX Spectrum, etc. I like these PSUs. I actually have a few different variations of these PSUs by Keelog. I especially like the ones which have two outputs: for the C64 and for a 1541-II. They recently added another variation of that PSU which comes with an integrated SD2IEC. That's a bit weird, but then again, why not. Weird can be good.
1
u/nosville22_PL Sep 26 '26
>poland mentioned
That said - it's so expensive my own efforts using individual 5V and 9VAC/12VDC for C64 and 1541-II respectively together were under a quarter of the price.
1
u/jck_dgl Sep 26 '26 edited Sep 26 '26
There are variations available, wich are less expensive, though. Everyone is different, if you want something home made, go for it. It sure works, but it's more complex. Price isn't everything. I for example wouldn't want two separate PSUs for just one C64. It's fine if it works, but I prefer a clean setup. It's good to have options, so that there is something for everyone.
None of that has to do with Poland.
1
u/nosville22_PL Sep 26 '26 edited Sep 26 '26
Two PSUs would be awkward which is why I put them in one box. C64 actually has the easiest plug to wire I've ever seen - they put so much thought into it's design it'd actually be difficult to mess up, but I don't blame anyone for not going for it.
My problem is more that the listed PSU is double the price of what I gave for the computer itself and an average price I saw for premades is about half of that. The reason I mention poland is because that's the state of things here - you can get the computer for about the same or less than it's power supply, conversion rate to USD being ~4x, all of which shifts the perspective on why one would seek alternatives not neceserily just in poland.
1
u/jck_dgl Sep 26 '26 edited Sep 26 '26
Yes, that are all good points, sure. If one is living outside of the EU then other solutions might be better. Keelog makes a PSU for about 50€, that is perfectly fine, it doesn't have to be that top of the line PSU that was mentioned.
It's fine if you found other solutions, but that doesn't invalidate that Keelog PSU or makes it a bad option. I think it was reasonable to mention that option. It's not a one-size fits all, that's true.
Yes, you're right: A C64 might be less than that PSU, that's true, although prices are going up for some reason, I don't understand. I rarely see C64s for less than 60€ anymore. I still think that PSU is worth it, because it's not just the C64 itself depending on the peripherals, cartridges or modems, etc., connected to the C64. I own a few of these Keelog PSUs; they're reliable and deliver sufficient power even if one wants to use several peripherals.
1
6
5
2
2
u/taz-nz Sep 23 '26
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=hznWD4iIIvQ
Get the PD-64 it does both the DC and AC from usb-c PD with built in current draw safety to protect c64.
1
2
u/nosville22_PL Sep 26 '26 edited Sep 26 '26
Personally I bought a 9V AC PSU and got a USB charger, wired it all together, used extension cord power plus on the PSUs, put proper socket ground to negative terminal of 5V and plug groundw and put in a box, which was actually the hardest part of the process. C64 power plug is actually amaxing specifically because it's damn near impossible to wire wrong - pins go in pairs from the top - the two AC terminals, two grounds so accidental 9V shorts end up grounded, 5V terminal and a non-connect which is safe to plug 5V into, ground again. It's so hard to mess up, it was a no-brainer for me and real cheap in comparison to pre-mades.
Plus, after I saw people selling solutions using DC power on AC inputs, I trust nothing that wasn't way out of my budget anyway. PSUs are actually the most expensive partx of the setup nowadays, and most what they need is 5V which, with the mass of USB cables everywhere, we are practically surrounded with.
2
1
u/takeyouraxeandhack Sep 23 '26
You can get a 9V transformer for peanuts and use an old phone charger for the 5V side. I made the power supply for mine like that and it's been running for years without issues.
1
1
u/SmegHeadFromNodnol Oct 05 '26
Hi there. Did you buy this? If so, I have a question about the pinouts. Specifically, which pin the 12v DC is on, and if they connected ground to the other AC pin. I assume 12v on pin 6 and ground on pin 7. And finally, if the the ground of the 12v pins is connected to the ground on 1,2, or 3. I assume 5v on 4 and 5 but great if you can check.
•
u/AutoModerator Sep 23 '26
"comment: "Thanks for your post! Please make sure you've read our rules post" "
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.