Replacing the DC PSU

Hi everyone,

Pretty new to this and wondering if I'm doing it correctly. Haven't done the 12v connection yet (The GDROM needs the 12v to work?). Waiting for the USB GDROM to come in.

Would appreciate any help. Thanks!

http://imgur.com/a/TrbRL

 

Yep, the GD-ROM needs 12v to work. It also supplies the clock reference to the audio processor (although I'm not sure if that portion of the GD-ROM uses 5v or 3.3v). You might as well connect the 12v wire, since it won't hurt anything even with the USB GDROM installed.

 

OK, unfortunately, I don't have the proper connector. How do I mount the wires into the white piece? Image is attached.

 

You need matching pins and preferably a crimper that works with the pins. I can't recall which pin pitch that connector is, so you'll have to look up the datasheet if you're not sure which pins it takes.

 

I am using this particular housing. http://www.mouser.com/Search/Produc...2-0virtualkey57100000virtualkey571-2-794542-0

If someone could point to me the connectors/pins I need, it would be great.

 

theres a big blue capacitor attached to the power switch in the dreamcast. can this be removed when using the picoPSU?

 

Is it a capacitor? I always assumed it's an MOV. At any rate, if you use the main power switch in the Dreamcast as a switch for the 12V (or on the 5V stand-by line), then yeah, you'll want to remove it. If you don't, you'll get some current across the switch poles, which will hit the PicoPSU even with the power switch off.

 

Not sure, I assumed it was a capacitor as it looks very similar to those capacitors you see on circuit boards.
In any case, thanks for clearing that up as I wasn't sure weather to take it out or not when I install my picoPSU

 

Posting in the event this is useful to anyone else, but I decided to try a different power brick to solve my problem and it worked! For reference:
GOOD PSU: http://a.co/8PfuhSx

BAD PSU: http://a.co/fAHSzW8

(I'm using in conjunction with a PicoPSU-80 w/ a USB-GDROM and a Hanzo VGA adapter.)

 

Good to know! Just goes to show that it pays to get a better AC-DC power- one that doesn't skimp on the filtering and protection circuits. =)

 

What's the size of the DC jack on these things? im guessing 2.1mm?

 

The brick says 5.5x2.5mm.

 

im looking for a splitter so I can connect the DC adapter to both my Dreamcast and Saturn

 

Yep it should be 2.5mm (inner) 5.5mm (outer)

 

i have ordered a picopsu
http://www.ebay.com/itm/dc-12v-120W...652420?hash=item19e684e8c4:g:nfEAAOxycmBSsyLp
and i have a power supply 220v AC - 12v DC 2A. my dc have a gdemu, and my next installment will be the akura hdmi, im sure about my pico but not about the power supply. 12v dc 2a are enough??

 

@truemaster1 My initial thought was that 2A would be insufficient, but I did read one report on the benheck forums that said 2A was sufficient. It's worth a try; if the 12V adapter is overcurrent protected, then there's little harm in trying it to see if it works.

 

Maybe 2A will be enough for now. Normally the power supply is given for 2A but you must have a little more available.
You can try it and changed it latter when you will use your akura if it doesn't work.
Check if the power stinks the "hot" when you use it.
If the current is too delivery is too high, maybe if you have a fuse it must burn for safety.

 

Here's my attempt at installing the PicoPSU (granted its in a Saturn, but its the same process)

I'll be doing the same to my Dreamcast next week when my second PicoPSU arrives

 

Ok so I just finished installing the picopsu into my Dreamcast, and as stated by numerous people in this thread, I too, am suffering from the interference issue which seems to be caused by the 12V power supply used to power the picopsu.
Strange thing is, I use the same 12V power supply to power my Saturn's picopsu and my Saturn looks crystal clear...
Regardless, I've ordered a new power supply and if it fixes my issue, I'll let you all know.

Also, does anyone know why, after switching the Dreamcast on, then off, it refuses to switch back on until you wait like 20-30 seconds?
And is it normal for the 4 SMD capacitors to get extremely hot? They are almost too hot to touch after 10 - 15 mins.

 

Did you bridge the PS-ON and Ground?