Discrepancy between 1581 PSU and requirements

[+OLD CS1]

The power supply for the 1541-II/1571-II/1581 shows output power of 5V @ 700mA and 12V @ 500mA. This matches the 1541-II requirements listed on the label on the bottom of the drive. However, the 1581 shows a requirement of 5V @ 1000mA (1A.)

 

I have used the standard power supplies with my 1581s for 20-some years with no apparent issues.

 

Does anyone have any insider knowledge of, insight into, or thoughts on the discrepancy with the 1581?

 

There are a few different custom power supplies for the 1581 and 1541-II available, but they all have really short supply-side cables. I have considered replacing mine with a 5.25" hard drive power supply which provides both 12V and 5V at 1.5A, then building a custom Molex-to-DIN cable to connect to the drives. With this arrangement I should be able to power two drives with one power supply, or more with a 2A supply.

[RobertB]

Heh, I've used both the "cube"-like (less powerful) power supply and the rectangular, 5V@1A (more powerful) p.s. on the 1581. I've found no problem using either of them.

 

Of course, more power is better,

Robert Bernardo

Fresno Commodore User Group

http://www.dickestel.com/fcug.htm

July 30-31 Commodore Vegas Expo v12 -

http://www.portcommodore.com/commvex

[+OLD CS1]

Right, I forgot about the longer, rectangular one. I think I may have one or two of those in storage. I am trying to get my system all put back together which, of course, means finding all of the parts.

[carlsson]

I think the general opinion is that the external drive power supplies were underpowered. I seem to recall have had a few 1541-II PSU's that died, while the drive itself was fine. Then again, Commodore never were known for their top-notch, well balanced power supplies on the home computer series.

 

The CD32 has the same pinout, but it draws even more power IIRC, so it is not recommended using a 1541-II supply with it (but otherwise should be OK).