Repair of a Famicom Disk System AC adapter

I've brought an AC adapter to go with my FDS, only thing is, it doesn't work (console throws up a battery error). I've opened the adapter to check connections, here's what I found:
A) The wire is fine, since I get continuity from the plug to their solder points inside the adapter
B) I get continuity from each of the prongs to their solder points on the board
C) I DON'T get continuity between the prongs and the power wire's solder points

It seems like the problem lies somewhere deep in the guts of the plug (that metal block with the wires wrapped around it), any clues if this can be fixed?

 

The plug is assembled and then a blob of heated rubber is molded around it. No it cannot be repaired. Your best bet is buy a replacement plug, cut the cable and assemble the replacement plug there.

 

Did you test with a multimeter if you get voltage at the output, just to be sure?

I never had to fix a trouble on the transformer coil itself, maybe it got shorted and fried.
Have pictures?

 

I don't know a whole lot about testing voltage, but I know what setting to use to get a reading from a battery, so I used this one for the AC adapter. "4.4" popped up on screen, so maybe it does work. I know when I tried to use it with the FDS I got a battery error.

 

According to this page : http://famicomworld.com/workshop/tech/disk-system-power-adaptor/
The output ratings for the disk system adapter is 9v DC center negative and the system require at least 400ma.
So if the adapter is good you should measure slightly over 9V in DC mode with your multimeter. 4.4v doesnt sound good.
I think you could use a NTSC Megadrive model 1 adapter as a substitute. I run my famicom with the Genesis 1 adapter and it works great, but I dont know if in Australia the adapters you have are the same.

 

They are the same only difference is 240V 50Hz input.

Fireaza could you take some pics please? I guess we may need to see what you are referring to?

 

Just to be sure, here's the setting I used:

This is the right one, right?

Just now, I noticed the adapter was warm after leaving it plugged in for a few hours. So maybe it works afterall? Kinda?

Here's a photo of the inside:

 

Plug it in, count 30 seconds, unplug it and measure the voltage on that huge capacitor.
Should have something around 11-13v. After that, short the capacitor (with a screwdriver is ok) to discharge it then put the multimeter on ohm meter(200 ohm or beeper if it has such a function).

Test if each side of the capacitor beeps or measure very low ohm to one of the sides of the cable. The side marked - on the capacitor should be connected to the center of the plug.

 

Also, just asking to clear that out, do you know that the Disk system works properly? As in tested it with another adapter?

If not, you should definitely do that first, thats why I mentionned the Megadrive adapter being a substitute.

 

Okay, I've done what you suggested. After being plugged in, a get "14.6" on the multimeter (on the setting in the photo above). After shorting it (with a small fireworks show! :\) I can get the multimeter to give off a long beep before it stops.

It worked with batteries when I first got it. Does the Japanese Mega Drive adapter work? I have a model 1 Japanese Mega Drive, would it's AC adapter be suitable?

 

Yes.

 

I think we should never attempt to repair an adapter. The risky involved is just too big to be worth it (fire hazard). Actually the plug is quite standard and buying a new one would be easy and handy.

 

OK, I've tired a Mega Drive model 1 adapter, still getting an error 02, which isn't really helpful since I've been getting that error ever since I did the copy protection mod.

This is a genuine original Nintendo AC adapter, I want to save it!

 

If the problem is simple and you know what you are doing, I dont see any problem. But otherwise you maybe right, better safe than sorry.