Jump to content

Barrel Power Supplies: Difference between revisions

From RetroRegister
← Older edit
VisualWikitext
 
(91 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
=Power Adapter Barrel Connector Compatibility=
== Using Barrel Power Supplies Safely ==


==Table==
'''Warning: Using the wrong PSU can irreparably damage your hardware.'''
 
Many retro consoles and computers used simple barrel-type power connectors, but voltages, currents, and polarity standards varied widely between manufacturers. 
While some systems can safely share power supplies, others use opposite polarity or different voltage requirements that can cause permanent damage if mixed. 
 
The compatibility matrices below group systems by connector size and clearly show which combinations are safe, underpowered, or dangerous. 
Always consult the tables rather than assuming compatibility.
 
=Power Adapter Information=


{| class="wikitable" style="margin: auto; text-align:center;"
{| class="wikitable" style="margin: auto; text-align:center;"
|+ '''Power Adapter Barrel Connector Compatibility Table'''
|+ '''Power Supply Barrel Connector Table'''<ref>Based on specifications from [https://junkerhq.net/xrgb/index.php?title=The_Console_Power_Supply_Bible#The_Console_Power_Supply_Bible|The Console Power Supply Bible], used as source for voltage, amperage, and polarity details.</ref>
! scope="col"| System
! scope="col"| System
! scope="col"| Voltage
! scope="col"| Voltage
Line 12: Line 20:
! scope="col"| Official PSU Model
! scope="col"| Official PSU Model
|-
|-
! colspan="6" style="background:#e0f7fa;"| Group 1 – 9V DC, 5.5mm × 2.1mm, Centre Negative
! colspan="6" style="background:#c8e6c9;"| Group 1 – 5V DC, 5.5mm × 2.1mm, Centre Positive
|-
| Neo Geo AES (later PRO-POW-3 / E) || 5V DC || 3.0A || 5.5 × 2.1mm || [[File:power_center_positive.png|80px]] || PRO-POW-3 / PRO-POW-E
|-
| Neo Geo CD (Front & Top Loader) || 5V DC || 3.0A || 5.5 × 2.1mm || [[File:power_center_positive.png|80px]] || Neo Geo CD PSU
|-
! colspan="6" style="background:#ede7f6;"| Group 2 – 6V DC, 4.75mm × 1.7mm, Centre Negative
|-
| Nintendo Game Boy (DMG-01) || 6V DC || 0.7A || 4.75 × 1.7mm || [[File:power_center_negative.png|80px]] || DMG-03 / MGB-005
|-
! colspan="6" style="background:#e8f5e9;"| Group 3 – 7.5V DC, 4.0mm × 1.7mm, Centre Negative
|-
| Sony PlayStation (PS1) || 7.5V DC || 2.0A || 4.0 × 1.7mm || [[File:power_center_negative.png|80px]] || SCPH-113
|-
! colspan="6" style="background:#e0f7fa;"| Group 4 – 9V DC, 5.5mm × 2.1mm, Centre Negative
|-
|-
| ZX Spectrum +2 / +2A / +3 || 9V DC || 2.1A || 5.5 × 2.1mm || [[File:power_center_negative.png|80px]] || Sinclair PSU (various OEM)
| ZX Spectrum +2 / +2A / +3 || 9V DC || 2.1A || 5.5 × 2.1mm || [[File:power_center_negative.png|80px]] || Sinclair PSU (various OEM)
Line 20: Line 42:
| Sega Saturn || 9V DC || 1.5A || 5.5 × 2.1mm || [[File:power_center_negative.png|80px]] || MK-2103
| Sega Saturn || 9V DC || 1.5A || 5.5 × 2.1mm || [[File:power_center_negative.png|80px]] || MK-2103
|-
|-
| Super Nintendo (PAL) || 9V DC || 1.3A || 5.5 × 2.1mm || [[File:power_center_negative.png|80px]] || SNSP-002E(FRG)
| Nintendo NES (PAL) || 9V DC || 1.3A || 5.5 × 2.1mm || [[File:power_center_negative.png|80px]] || NES-002E
|-
|-
| Nintendo NES (PAL) || 9V DC || 1.3A || 5.5 × 2.1mm || [[File:power_center_negative.png|80px]] || NES-002E
| Nintento SNES (PAL) || 9V DC || 1.3A || 5.5 × 2.1mm || [[File:power_center_negative.png|80px]] || SNSP-002E(FRG)
|-
|-
| Atari Jaguar / Jaguar CD || 9V DC || 1.2A || 5.5 × 2.1mm || [[File:power_center_negative.png|80px]] || PA-1400 / MK-4120
| Atari Jaguar / Jaguar CD || 9V DC || 1.2A || 5.5 × 2.1mm || [[File:power_center_negative.png|80px]] || PA-1400 / MK-4120
Line 34: Line 56:
| NEC PC Engine / CoreGrafx / TurboGrafx-16 || 9V DC || 0.85A || 5.5 × 2.1mm || [[File:power_center_negative.png|80px]] || HES-ACA-01 / Turbo AC Adapter
| NEC PC Engine / CoreGrafx / TurboGrafx-16 || 9V DC || 0.85A || 5.5 × 2.1mm || [[File:power_center_negative.png|80px]] || HES-ACA-01 / Turbo AC Adapter
|-
|-
! colspan="6" style="background:#f1f8e9;"| Group 2 – 9V DC, 3.5mm × 1.35mm, Centre Negative
! colspan="6" style="background:#f1f8e9;"| Group 5 – 9V DC, 3.5mm × 1.35mm, Centre Negative
|-
|-
| ZX Spectrum (16/48K) || 9V DC || 1.4A || 3.5 × 1.35mm || [[File:power_center_negative.png|80px]] || Sinclair PSU
| ZX Spectrum (16/48K) || 9V DC || 1.4A || 3.5 × 1.35mm || [[File:power_center_negative.png|80px]] || Sinclair PSU
Line 42: Line 64:
| Atari 2600 (VCS) || 9V DC || 0.5A || 3.5 × 1.35mm || [[File:power_center_negative.png|80px]] || C017945
| Atari 2600 (VCS) || 9V DC || 0.5A || 3.5 × 1.35mm || [[File:power_center_negative.png|80px]] || C017945
|-
|-
! colspan="6" style="background:#fff3e0;"| Group 3 – 9V DC, 4.75mm × 1.7mm, Centre Negative
! colspan="6" style="background:#fff3e0;"| Group 6 – 9V DC, 4.75mm × 1.7mm, Centre Negative
|-
|-
| Sega Game Gear || 9V DC || 1.2A || 4.75 × 1.7mm || [[File:power_center_negative.png|80px]] || MK-2103 (shared PSU with Saturn in some regions)
| Sega Game Gear || 9V DC || 1.2A || 4.75 × 1.7mm || [[File:power_center_negative.png|80px]] || MK-2103 (shared PSU with Saturn in some regions)
|-
|-
! colspan="6" style="background:#ede7f6;"| Group 4 – 6V DC, 4.75mm × 1.7mm, Centre Negative
! colspan="6" style="background:#fce4ec;"| Group 7 – 9–10V DC, 4.75mm × 1.7mm, Centre Positive (see note)
|-
| Nintendo Game Boy (DMG-01) || 6V DC || 0.7A || 4.75 × 1.7mm || [[File:power_center_negative.png|80px]] || DMG-03 / MGB-005
|-
! colspan="6" style="background:#fce4ec;"| Group 5 – 9–10V DC, 4.75mm × 1.7mm, Centre Positive
|-
|-
| Atari Lynx (Model 1) || 9V DC || 1.0A || 4.75 × 1.7mm || [[File:power_center_positive.png|80px]] || PA-1400
| Atari Lynx (Model 1) || 9V DC || 1.0A || 4.75 × 1.7mm || [[File:power_center_positive.png|80px]] || PA-1400
Line 57: Line 75:
|-
|-
| Sega 32X || 10V DC || 0.85A || 4.75 × 1.7mm || [[File:power_center_positive.png|80px]] || MK-1633
| Sega 32X || 10V DC || 0.85A || 4.75 × 1.7mm || [[File:power_center_positive.png|80px]] || MK-1633
|-
| Sega Nomad || 10V DC || 0.85A || 4.75 × 1.7mm || [[File:power_center_positive.png|80px]] || MK-1633
|-
|-
| Sega Mega Drive / Genesis (Model 2) || 10V DC || 0.85A || 4.75 × 1.7mm || [[File:power_center_positive.png|80px]] || MK-1633
| Sega Mega Drive / Genesis (Model 2) || 10V DC || 0.85A || 4.75 × 1.7mm || [[File:power_center_positive.png|80px]] || MK-1633
Line 64: Line 80:
| Sega Nomad || 10V DC || 0.85A || 4.75 × 1.7mm || [[File:power_center_positive.png|80px]] || MK-1633
| Sega Nomad || 10V DC || 0.85A || 4.75 × 1.7mm || [[File:power_center_positive.png|80px]] || MK-1633
|-
|-
! colspan="6" style="background:#d1c4e9;"| Group 6 – 10V DC, 5.5mm × 2.1mm, Centre Negative
! colspan="6" style="background:#d1c4e9;"| Group 8 – 10V DC, 5.5mm × 2.1mm, Centre Negative
|-
|-
| Nintendo Famicom (HVC) || 10V DC || 0.85A || 5.5 × 2.1mm || [[File:power_center_negative.png|80px]] || HVC-002
| Nintendo Famicom (HVC) || 10V DC || 0.85A || 5.5 × 2.1mm || [[File:power_center_negative.png|80px]] || HVC-002
|-
|-
| Nintendo Virtual Boy || 10V DC || 0.85A || 5.5 × 2.1mm || [[File:power_center_negative.png|80px]] || VUE-002
| Nintendo Virtual Boy || 10V DC || 0.85A || 5.5 × 2.1mm || [[File:power_center_negative.png|80px]] || VUE-002
|}
Based on specifications from "The Console Power Supply Bible" (Classic Console Upscaler Wiki), used as source for voltage/amperage and polarity details.
* '''Sega Mega Drive 1 vs 2''': opposite polarity — swapping PSUs will fry the console ⚠
* '''9V vs 10V PSUs''': Many vintage power supplies were unregulated — a “9V” adapter could output 10–11V off-load. 
: For this reason, Atari Lynx (9V) and Sega 32X / Nomad / Mega Drive 2 (10V) supplies are effectively interchangeable. They are grouped together as '''9–10V''' to reflect this safe cross-compatibility.
=PSU Cross-Compatibility=
==Compatibility Key==
{| class="wikitable" style="margin:auto; text-align:center;"
! Symbol !! Meaning
|-
| style="background:#cfc"|✓ || Safe – barrel fits, voltage/polarity correct, PSU current ≥ system requirement
|-
|-
! colspan="6" style="background:#c8e6c9;"| Group 7 – 5V DC, 5.5mm × 2.1mm, Centre Positive
| style="background:#ddd"|– || Underpowered – fits & matches, but PSU current too low
|-
|-
| Neo Geo AES (later PRO-POW-3 / E) || 5V DC || 3.0A || 5.5 × 2.1mm || [[File:power_center_positive.png|80px]] || PRO-POW-3 / PRO-POW-E
| style="background:#f99"|✗ || Dangerous – wrong voltage and/or polarity
|}
 
==3.5 × 1.35 mm barrel==
 
{| class="wikitable" style="margin:auto; text-align:center; font-size:90%;"
|+ '''PSU Cross-Compatibility Matrix — 3.5 × 1.35 mm barrel'''
! scope="col" style="background:#eee;"| System ▶ <br> PSU ▼
! style="background:#f1f8e9;"| ZX Spectrum (16/48K)
! style="background:#f1f8e9;"| Atari 7800
! style="background:#f1f8e9;"| Atari 2600 (VCS)
|-
|-
| Neo Geo CD (Front & Top Loader) || 5V DC || 3.0A || 5.5 × 2.1mm || [[File:power_center_positive.png|80px]] || Neo Geo CD PSU
! scope="row" style="background:#f1f8e9;"| ZX Spectrum (16/48K)
| style="background:#cfc"|✓
| style="background:#cfc"|✓
| style="background:#cfc"|✓
|-
|-
! colspan="6" style="background:#e8f5e9;"| Group 8 – 7.5V DC, 4.0mm × 1.7mm, Centre Negative
! scope="row" style="background:#f1f8e9;"| Atari 7800
| style="background:#ddd"|–
| style="background:#cfc"|✓
| style="background:#cfc"|✓
|-
|-
| Sony PlayStation (PS1) || 7.5V DC || 2.0A || 4.0 × 1.7mm || [[File:power_center_negative.png|80px]] || SCPH-113
! scope="row" style="background:#f1f8e9;"| Atari 2600 (VCS)
| style="background:#ddd"|–
| style="background:#ddd"|–
| style="background:#cfc"|✓
|}
 
 
{| class="wikitable" style="margin:auto; text-align:center;"
! Header colour
! Voltage / Polarity Group
|-
| style="background:#f1f8e9;"|
| 9 V DC, centre-negative
|}
|}


== Notes & Warnings ==
==4.0 × 1.7 mm barrel==
 
Only the Sony PlayStation (PS1) uses this connector. 
No cross-compatibility with other systems.
 
==4.75 × 1.7 mm barrel==
 
{| class="wikitable" style="margin:auto; text-align:center; font-size:90%;"
|+ '''PSU Cross-Compatibility Matrix — 4.75 × 1.7 mm barrel'''
! scope="col" style="background:#eee;"| System ▶ <br> PSU ▼
! style="background:#fff3e0;"| Sega Game Gear
! style="background:#fce4ec;"| Atari Lynx
! style="background:#fce4ec;"| Sega 32X
! style="background:#fce4ec;"| Sega Mega Drive 2
! style="background:#fce4ec;"| Sega Nomad
! style="background:#ede7f6;"| Nintendo Game Boy (DMG-01)
|-
! scope="row" style="background:#fff3e0;"| Sega Game Gear
| style="background:#cfc"|✓
| style="background:#f99"|✗
| style="background:#f99"|✗
| style="background:#f99"|✗
| style="background:#f99"|✗
| style="background:#f99"|✗
|-
! scope="row" style="background:#fce4ec;"| Atari Lynx
| style="background:#f99"|✗
| style="background:#cfc"|✓
| style="background:#cfc"|✓
| style="background:#cfc"|✓
| style="background:#cfc"|✓
| style="background:#f99"|✗
|-
! scope="row" style="background:#fce4ec;"| Sega 32X
| style="background:#f99"|✗
| style="background:#ddd"|–
| style="background:#cfc"|✓
| style="background:#cfc"|✓
| style="background:#cfc"|✓
| style="background:#f99"|✗
|-
! scope="row" style="background:#fce4ec;"| Sega Mega Drive 2
| style="background:#f99"|✗
| style="background:#ddd"|–
| style="background:#cfc"|✓
| style="background:#cfc"|✓
| style="background:#cfc"|✓
| style="background:#f99"|✗
|-
! scope="row" style="background:#fce4ec;"| Sega Nomad
| style="background:#f99"|✗
| style="background:#ddd"|–
| style="background:#cfc"|✓
| style="background:#cfc"|✓
| style="background:#cfc"|✓
| style="background:#f99"|✗
|-
! scope="row" style="background:#ede7f6;"| Nintendo Game Boy (DMG-01)
| style="background:#f99"|✗
| style="background:#f99"|✗
| style="background:#f99"|✗
| style="background:#f99"|✗
| style="background:#f99"|✗
| style="background:#cfc"|✓
|}


* '''Atari 2600 (VCS)''' – early units use a simple 9V DC centre-negative PSU at low current. Many modern replacements are compatible, but original adapters are prone to failure with age.
* '''Atari 7800''' – same barrel size and polarity as Atari 2600 but requires more current (1.0A). A 2600 PSU may power it but risk instability.
* '''Atari Jaguar / Jaguar CD''' – uses the same PSU spec as Sega Mega Drive 1 (9V DC, centre-negative). Safe cross-compatibility.
* '''Atari Lynx (Model 1 and Model 2)''' – both require 9V DC centre-positive. Using a centre-negative adapter (e.g. Spectrum, Master System, Mega Drive Model 1) will damage the system.
* '''NEC PC Engine / CoreGrafx / TurboGrafx-16''' – requires 9V DC centre-negative. Later Duo models draw more current.
* '''NEC PC Engine Duo / TurboDuo''' – 9V DC centre-negative, higher current draw (1.5A). Should not be powered with weaker CoreGrafx/TurboGrafx supplies.
* '''Neo Geo AES''' – PSU requirements vary by production run. Early PRO-POW-1/2 used 9V centre-negative, later PRO-POW-3/E use 5V centre-positive. Using the wrong adapter can destroy the system.
* '''Neo Geo CD''' – requires 5V DC centre-positive at 3A. A very specific PSU; substitutes must exactly match.
* '''Nintendo Famicom (HVC-002)''' – requires 10V DC centre-negative. Cannot be safely powered with NES (PAL) or SNES (PAL) adapters.
* '''Nintendo Game Boy (DMG-01)''' – uses a 6V DC PSU, centre-negative. Do not use 9V adapters intended for other Nintendo or Sega consoles.
* '''Nintendo NES (PAL)''' – same as PAL SNES, but NTSC NES (US/Japan) typically shipped with a 9V AC PSU. Do not interchange with PAL systems.
* '''Nintendo Super NES (PAL)''' – uses 9V DC centre-negative. NTSC models often shipped with AC adapters instead of DC, making them incompatible with PAL PSUs.
* '''Nintendo Virtual Boy''' – also uses 10V DC centre-negative (same as Famicom). Power requirements are stricter than most Nintendo consoles.
* '''Sega 32X''' – same PSU spec as Mega Drive 2. Tower of Power setups (MD + 32X + Mega-CD) require multiple adapters, not a single shared PSU.
* '''Sega CD (Model 1 & 2)''' – same PSU spec as Mega Drive 1. Compatible supplies can be interchanged.
* '''Sega Game Gear''' – draws a high current; cheap adapters often cause humming in the audio and unstable video.
* '''Sega Master System''' – compatible with Mega Drive Model 1 PSU (same voltage, current, and polarity).
* '''Sega Mega Drive / Genesis Model 1 vs Model 2''' – Model 1 is centre-negative, Model 2 is centre-positive. Swapping these power supplies will damage the console.
* '''Sega Nomad''' – uses the same PSU as Mega Drive 2 (10V, centre-positive). Do not use a Model 1 PSU.
* '''Sega Saturn''' – uses the same barrel as Model 1 Mega Drive but requires more current (1.5A). A weaker PSU may boot the system but cause crashes.
* '''Sony PlayStation (PS1)''' – requires 7.5V DC at 2.0A. Using 9V adapters directly can overheat or damage the console. The barrel plug (4.0 × 1.7mm) is smaller than most Sega/Nintendo connectors and not interchangeable.
* '''ZX Spectrum (16K/48K)''' – requires a regulated 9V DC centre-negative supply. Original Sinclair PSUs were unregulated and can output up to 14V off-load, risking damage to modern peripherals.
* '''ZX Spectrum +2 / +2A / +3''' – higher current draw (2.1A). A weaker Spectrum 48K PSU is not sufficient.


* '''General note on amperage''' – it is safe to use a PSU rated at a higher current (A) than required, but never lower. Voltage and polarity must always match.
{| class="wikitable" style="margin:auto; text-align:center;"
! Header colour
! Voltage / Polarity Group
|-
| style="background:#fff3e0;"|
| 9 V DC, centre-negative (e.g., Sega Game Gear)
|-
| style="background:#fce4ec;"|
| 9–10 V DC, centre-positive (e.g., Lynx, MD2, Nomad, 32X)
|-
| style="background:#ede7f6;"|
| 6 V DC, centre-negative (e.g., Nintendo Game Boy DMG)
|}


==PSU Cross-Compatibility Matrix (5.5 × 2.1 mm Barrel)==
==5.5 × 2.1 mm barrel==


{| class="wikitable" style="margin:auto; text-align:center; font-size:90%;"
{| class="wikitable" style="margin:auto; text-align:center; font-size:90%;"
|+ '''PSU Cross-Compatibility Matrix — 5.5 × 2.1 mm barrel'''
|+ '''PSU Cross-Compatibility Matrix — 5.5 × 2.1 mm barrel'''
! scope="col" style="background:#eee;"| System ▶ <br> PSU ▼
! scope="col" style="background:#eee;"| System ▶ <br> PSU ▼
! style="background:#e0f7fa;"| ZX Spectrum +2/+3
! style="background:#c8e6c9; writing-mode: vertical-rl; transform: rotate(180deg);"| Neo Geo AES
! style="background:#e0f7fa;"| Sega Saturn
! style="background:#c8e6c9; writing-mode: vertical-rl; transform: rotate(180deg);"| Neo Geo CD
! style="background:#e0f7fa;"| NEC PC Engine Duo
! style="background:#e0f7fa; writing-mode: vertical-rl; transform: rotate(180deg);"| ZX Spectrum +2/+3
! style="background:#e0f7fa;"| Nintendo NES (PAL)
! style="background:#e0f7fa; writing-mode: vertical-rl; transform: rotate(180deg);"| NEC PC Engine Duo
! style="background:#e0f7fa;"| Nintendo Super NES (PAL)
! style="background:#e0f7fa; writing-mode: vertical-rl; transform: rotate(180deg);"| Sega Saturn
! style="background:#e0f7fa;"| Sega Mega Drive 1
! style="background:#e0f7fa; writing-mode: vertical-rl; transform: rotate(180deg);"| Nintendo NES (PAL)
! style="background:#e0f7fa;"| Sega Master System
! style="background:#e0f7fa; writing-mode: vertical-rl; transform: rotate(180deg);"| Nintendo SNES (PAL)
! style="background:#e0f7fa;"| Sega CD
! style="background:#e0f7fa; writing-mode: vertical-rl; transform: rotate(180deg);"| Atari Jaguar
! style="background:#e0f7fa;"| Atari Jaguar
! style="background:#e0f7fa; writing-mode: vertical-rl; transform: rotate(180deg);"| Sega CD
! style="background:#e0f7fa;"| NEC PC Engine
! style="background:#e0f7fa; writing-mode: vertical-rl; transform: rotate(180deg);"| Sega Master System
! style="background:#d1c4e9;"| Nintendo Famicom
! style="background:#e0f7fa; writing-mode: vertical-rl; transform: rotate(180deg);"| Sega Mega Drive 1
! style="background:#d1c4e9;"| Nintendo Virtual Boy
! style="background:#e0f7fa; writing-mode: vertical-rl; transform: rotate(180deg);"| NEC PC Engine
! style="background:#c8e6c9;"| Neo Geo AES
! style="background:#d1c4e9; writing-mode: vertical-rl; transform: rotate(180deg);"| Nintendo Famicom
! style="background:#c8e6c9;"| Neo Geo CD
! style="background:#d1c4e9; writing-mode: vertical-rl; transform: rotate(180deg);"| Nintendo Virtual Boy
|-
! scope="row" style="background:#c8e6c9;"| Neo Geo AES
|style="background:#cfc"|✓
|style="background:#cfc"|✓
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|-
! scope="row" style="background:#c8e6c9;"| Neo Geo CD
|style="background:#cfc"|✓
|style="background:#cfc"|✓
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|-
|-
! scope="row" style="background:#e0f7fa;"| ZX Spectrum +2/+3
! scope="row" style="background:#e0f7fa;"| ZX Spectrum +2/+3
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#cfc"|✓
|style="background:#cfc"|✓
|style="background:#cfc"|✓
|style="background:#cfc"|✓
Line 142: Line 286:
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|-
! scope="row" style="background:#e0f7fa;"| NEC PC Engine Duo
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|-
! scope="row" style="background:#e0f7fa;"| Sega Saturn
|style="background:#ddd"|–
|style="background:#ddd"|–
|style="background:#cfc"|✓
|style="background:#cfc"|✓
Line 158: Line 302:
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|-
! scope="row" style="background:#e0f7fa;"| Sega Saturn
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|-
! scope="row" style="background:#e0f7fa;"| NEC PC Engine Duo
|style="background:#ddd"|–
|style="background:#ddd"|–
|style="background:#cfc"|✓
|style="background:#cfc"|✓
Line 174: Line 318:
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|-
! scope="row" style="background:#e0f7fa;"| Nintendo NES (PAL)
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|-
! scope="row" style="background:#e0f7fa;"| Nintendo NES (PAL)
|style="background:#ddd"|–
|style="background:#ddd"|–
|style="background:#ddd"|–
|style="background:#ddd"|–
|style="background:#ddd"|–
|style="background:#cfc"|✓
|style="background:#cfc"|✓
|style="background:#cfc"|✓
|style="background:#cfc"|✓
|style="background:#cfc"|✓
Line 190: Line 334:
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|-
! scope="row" style="background:#e0f7fa;"| Nintendo SNES (PAL)
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|-
! scope="row" style="background:#e0f7fa;"| Nintendo Super NES (PAL)
|style="background:#ddd"|–
|style="background:#ddd"|–
|style="background:#ddd"|–
|style="background:#ddd"|–
|style="background:#ddd"|–
|style="background:#cfc"|✓
|style="background:#cfc"|✓
|style="background:#cfc"|✓
|style="background:#cfc"|✓
|style="background:#cfc"|✓
Line 206: Line 350:
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|-
! scope="row" style="background:#e0f7fa;"| Atari Jaguar
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|-
! scope="row" style="background:#e0f7fa;"| Sega Mega Drive 1
|style="background:#ddd"|–
|style="background:#ddd"|–
|style="background:#ddd"|–
|style="background:#ddd"|–
Line 222: Line 366:
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|-
! scope="row" style="background:#e0f7fa;"| Sega CD
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|-
! scope="row" style="background:#e0f7fa;"| Sega Master System
|style="background:#ddd"|–
|style="background:#ddd"|–
|style="background:#ddd"|–
|style="background:#ddd"|–
Line 238: Line 382:
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|-
! scope="row" style="background:#e0f7fa;"| Sega Master System
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|-
! scope="row" style="background:#e0f7fa;"| Sega CD
|style="background:#ddd"|–
|style="background:#ddd"|–
|style="background:#ddd"|–
|style="background:#ddd"|–
Line 254: Line 398:
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|-
! scope="row" style="background:#e0f7fa;"| Sega Mega Drive 1
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|-
! scope="row" style="background:#e0f7fa;"| Atari Jaguar
|style="background:#ddd"|–
|style="background:#ddd"|–
|style="background:#ddd"|–
|style="background:#ddd"|–
Line 270: Line 414:
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|-
! scope="row" style="background:#e0f7fa;"| NEC PC Engine
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|-
! scope="row" style="background:#e0f7fa;"| NEC PC Engine
|style="background:#ddd"|–
|style="background:#ddd"|–
|style="background:#ddd"|–
|style="background:#ddd"|–
Line 284: Line 428:
|style="background:#ddd"|–
|style="background:#ddd"|–
|style="background:#cfc"|✓
|style="background:#cfc"|✓
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
Line 292: Line 434:
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#cfc"|✓
|style="background:#cfc"|✓
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|-
! scope="row" style="background:#d1c4e9;"| Nintendo Virtual Boy
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
Line 318: Line 446:
|style="background:#cfc"|✓
|style="background:#cfc"|✓
|style="background:#cfc"|✓
|style="background:#cfc"|✓
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|-
|-
! scope="row" style="background:#c8e6c9;"| Neo Geo AES
! scope="row" style="background:#d1c4e9;"| Nintendo Virtual Boy
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#cfc"|✓
|style="background:#cfc"|✓
|-
! scope="row" style="background:#c8e6c9;"| Neo Geo CD
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
|style="background:#f99"|✗
Line 354: Line 464:
|}
|}


=== Key ===
{| class="wikitable" style="margin:auto; text-align:center;"
! Symbol
! Meaning
|-
| style="background:#cfc"|✓
| Safe – barrel fits, voltage/polarity correct, PSU current ≥ system requirement
|-
| style="background:#ddd"|–
| Underpowered – barrel fits, voltage/polarity correct, but PSU current too low (not recommended)
|-
| style="background:#f99"|✗
| Dangerous – wrong voltage and/or polarity
|}


{| class="wikitable" style="margin:auto; text-align:center;"
{| class="wikitable" style="margin:auto; text-align:center;"
! Header colour
! Header colour
! Voltage / Polarity Group
! Voltage / Polarity Group
|-
| style="background:#c8e6c9;"| 
| 5 V DC, centre-positive
|-
|-
| style="background:#e0f7fa;"|   
| style="background:#e0f7fa;"|   
Line 379: Line 477:
| style="background:#d1c4e9;"|   
| style="background:#d1c4e9;"|   
| 10 V DC, centre-negative
| 10 V DC, centre-negative
|-
| style="background:#c8e6c9;"| 
| 5 V DC, centre-positive
|}
|}


==PSU Cross-Compatibility Matrix — 3.5 × 1.35 mm barrel==
=Notes & Warnings=
* '''Mega Drive 1 vs Mega Drive 2''' – opposite polarity; swapping PSUs will damage hardware.
* '''Nintendo PAL vs NTSC''' – PAL NES/SNES use 9V DC. NTSC NES uses 9V AC; NTSC SNES uses 10V AC. AC units are not compatible with DC supplies.
* '''Game Boy DMG''' – 6V DC centre-negative; not compatible with 9V power.
* '''General rule''' – PSU must meet or exceed system’s amp requirement; lower amps = underpowered.


{| class="wikitable" style="margin:auto; text-align:center; font-size:90%;"
=Common Dangerous Combinations=
|+ '''PSU Cross-Compatibility Matrix — 3.5 × 1.35 mm barrel'''
For quick reference, here are the most critical power supply mistakes to avoid:
! scope="col" style="background:#eee;"| System ▶ <br> PSU ▼
{| class="wikitable" style="margin:auto; text-align:left;"
! style="background:#e8f5e9;"| ZX Spectrum (16/48K)
! Mistake !! Why it’s dangerous
! style="background:#e8f5e9;"| Atari 7800
|-
! style="background:#e8f5e9;"| Atari 2600 (VCS)
| Mega Drive 1 PSU → Mega Drive 2 || Opposite polarity (centre-neg → centre-pos)
|-
| Mega Drive 2 / 32X / Nomad PSU → Mega Drive 1 || Opposite polarity (centre-pos → centre-neg)
|-
|-
! scope="row" style="background:#f1f8e9;"| ZX Spectrum (16/48K)
| Any 9V PSU → Game Boy DMG || Wrong voltage (needs 6V)
| style="background:#cfc"|✓
| style="background:#cfc"|✓
| style="background:#cfc"|✓
|-
|-
! scope="row" style="background:#f1f8e9;"| Atari 7800
| Any DC PSU → NTSC NES/SNES (AC) || Wrong type (AC vs DC)
| style="background:#ddd"|–
| style="background:#cfc"|✓
| style="background:#cfc"|✓
|-
|-
! scope="row" style="background:#f1f8e9;"| Atari 2600 (VCS)
| 9V PSU → Neo Geo AES (later) / Neo Geo CD || Wrong voltage and polarity (needs 5V centre-positive)
| style="background:#ddd"|–
| style="background:#ddd"|–
| style="background:#cfc"|✓
|}
|}
== References ==
<references />

Latest revision as of 16:38, 2 September 2025

Using Barrel Power Supplies Safely

Warning: Using the wrong PSU can irreparably damage your hardware.

Many retro consoles and computers used simple barrel-type power connectors, but voltages, currents, and polarity standards varied widely between manufacturers. While some systems can safely share power supplies, others use opposite polarity or different voltage requirements that can cause permanent damage if mixed.

The compatibility matrices below group systems by connector size and clearly show which combinations are safe, underpowered, or dangerous. Always consult the tables rather than assuming compatibility.

Power Adapter Information

Power Supply Barrel Connector Table[1]
System Voltage Current Barrel Size Polarity Official PSU Model
Group 1 – 5V DC, 5.5mm × 2.1mm, Centre Positive
Neo Geo AES (later PRO-POW-3 / E) 5V DC 3.0A 5.5 × 2.1mm PRO-POW-3 / PRO-POW-E
Neo Geo CD (Front & Top Loader) 5V DC 3.0A 5.5 × 2.1mm Neo Geo CD PSU
Group 2 – 6V DC, 4.75mm × 1.7mm, Centre Negative
Nintendo Game Boy (DMG-01) 6V DC 0.7A 4.75 × 1.7mm DMG-03 / MGB-005
Group 3 – 7.5V DC, 4.0mm × 1.7mm, Centre Negative
Sony PlayStation (PS1) 7.5V DC 2.0A 4.0 × 1.7mm SCPH-113
Group 4 – 9V DC, 5.5mm × 2.1mm, Centre Negative
ZX Spectrum +2 / +2A / +3 9V DC 2.1A 5.5 × 2.1mm Sinclair PSU (various OEM)
NEC PC Engine Duo / TurboDuo 9V DC 1.5A 5.5 × 2.1mm DUO-AC
Sega Saturn 9V DC 1.5A 5.5 × 2.1mm MK-2103
Nintendo NES (PAL) 9V DC 1.3A 5.5 × 2.1mm NES-002E
Nintento SNES (PAL) 9V DC 1.3A 5.5 × 2.1mm SNSP-002E(FRG)
Atari Jaguar / Jaguar CD 9V DC 1.2A 5.5 × 2.1mm PA-1400 / MK-4120
Sega CD (Model 1 & 2) 9V DC 1.2A 5.5 × 2.1mm MK-1602
Sega Master System 9V DC 1.2A 5.5 × 2.1mm MK-3025
Sega Mega Drive / Genesis (Model 1) 9V DC 1.2A 5.5 × 2.1mm MK-1602-05
NEC PC Engine / CoreGrafx / TurboGrafx-16 9V DC 0.85A 5.5 × 2.1mm HES-ACA-01 / Turbo AC Adapter
Group 5 – 9V DC, 3.5mm × 1.35mm, Centre Negative
ZX Spectrum (16/48K) 9V DC 1.4A 3.5 × 1.35mm Sinclair PSU
Atari 7800 9V DC 1.0A 3.5 × 1.35mm C018187
Atari 2600 (VCS) 9V DC 0.5A 3.5 × 1.35mm C017945
Group 6 – 9V DC, 4.75mm × 1.7mm, Centre Negative
Sega Game Gear 9V DC 1.2A 4.75 × 1.7mm MK-2103 (shared PSU with Saturn in some regions)
Group 7 – 9–10V DC, 4.75mm × 1.7mm, Centre Positive (see note)
Atari Lynx (Model 1) 9V DC 1.0A 4.75 × 1.7mm PA-1400
Atari Lynx (Model 2) 9V DC 1.0A 4.75 × 1.7mm PA-1400
Sega 32X 10V DC 0.85A 4.75 × 1.7mm MK-1633
Sega Mega Drive / Genesis (Model 2) 10V DC 0.85A 4.75 × 1.7mm MK-1633
Sega Nomad 10V DC 0.85A 4.75 × 1.7mm MK-1633
Group 8 – 10V DC, 5.5mm × 2.1mm, Centre Negative
Nintendo Famicom (HVC) 10V DC 0.85A 5.5 × 2.1mm HVC-002
Nintendo Virtual Boy 10V DC 0.85A 5.5 × 2.1mm VUE-002

Based on specifications from "The Console Power Supply Bible" (Classic Console Upscaler Wiki), used as source for voltage/amperage and polarity details.

  • Sega Mega Drive 1 vs 2: opposite polarity — swapping PSUs will fry the console ⚠
  • 9V vs 10V PSUs: Many vintage power supplies were unregulated — a “9V” adapter could output 10–11V off-load.
For this reason, Atari Lynx (9V) and Sega 32X / Nomad / Mega Drive 2 (10V) supplies are effectively interchangeable. They are grouped together as 9–10V to reflect this safe cross-compatibility.

PSU Cross-Compatibility

Compatibility Key

Symbol Meaning
✓ Safe – barrel fits, voltage/polarity correct, PSU current ≥ system requirement
– Underpowered – fits & matches, but PSU current too low
✗ Dangerous – wrong voltage and/or polarity

3.5 × 1.35 mm barrel

PSU Cross-Compatibility Matrix — 3.5 × 1.35 mm barrel
System ▶
PSU ▼ 		ZX Spectrum (16/48K) Atari 7800 Atari 2600 (VCS)
ZX Spectrum (16/48K) ✓ ✓ ✓
Atari 7800 – ✓ ✓
Atari 2600 (VCS) – – ✓


Header colour Voltage / Polarity Group
9 V DC, centre-negative

4.0 × 1.7 mm barrel

Only the Sony PlayStation (PS1) uses this connector. No cross-compatibility with other systems.

4.75 × 1.7 mm barrel

PSU Cross-Compatibility Matrix — 4.75 × 1.7 mm barrel
System ▶
PSU ▼ 		Sega Game Gear Atari Lynx Sega 32X Sega Mega Drive 2 Sega Nomad Nintendo Game Boy (DMG-01)
Sega Game Gear ✓ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗
Atari Lynx ✗ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✗
Sega 32X ✗ – ✓ ✓ ✓ ✗
Sega Mega Drive 2 ✗ – ✓ ✓ ✓ ✗
Sega Nomad ✗ – ✓ ✓ ✓ ✗
Nintendo Game Boy (DMG-01) ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✓


Header colour Voltage / Polarity Group
9 V DC, centre-negative (e.g., Sega Game Gear)
9–10 V DC, centre-positive (e.g., Lynx, MD2, Nomad, 32X)
6 V DC, centre-negative (e.g., Nintendo Game Boy DMG)

5.5 × 2.1 mm barrel

PSU Cross-Compatibility Matrix — 5.5 × 2.1 mm barrel
System ▶
PSU ▼ 		Neo Geo AES Neo Geo CD ZX Spectrum +2/+3 NEC PC Engine Duo Sega Saturn Nintendo NES (PAL) Nintendo SNES (PAL) Atari Jaguar Sega CD Sega Master System Sega Mega Drive 1 NEC PC Engine Nintendo Famicom Nintendo Virtual Boy
Neo Geo AES ✓ ✓ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗
Neo Geo CD ✓ ✓ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗
ZX Spectrum +2/+3 ✗ ✗ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✗ ✗
NEC PC Engine Duo ✗ ✗ – ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✗ ✗
Sega Saturn ✗ ✗ – ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✗ ✗
Nintendo NES (PAL) ✗ ✗ – – ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✗ ✗
Nintendo SNES (PAL) ✗ ✗ – – ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✗ ✗
Atari Jaguar ✗ ✗ – – – – – ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✗ ✗
Sega CD ✗ ✗ – – – – – ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✗ ✗
Sega Master System ✗ ✗ – – – – – ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✗ ✗
Sega Mega Drive 1 ✗ ✗ – – – – – ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✗ ✗
NEC PC Engine ✗ ✗ – – – – – – – – – ✓ ✗ ✗
Nintendo Famicom ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✓ ✓
Nintendo Virtual Boy ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✓ ✓


Header colour Voltage / Polarity Group
5 V DC, centre-positive
9 V DC, centre-negative
10 V DC, centre-negative

Notes & Warnings

  • Mega Drive 1 vs Mega Drive 2 – opposite polarity; swapping PSUs will damage hardware.
  • Nintendo PAL vs NTSC – PAL NES/SNES use 9V DC. NTSC NES uses 9V AC; NTSC SNES uses 10V AC. AC units are not compatible with DC supplies.
  • Game Boy DMG – 6V DC centre-negative; not compatible with 9V power.
  • General rule – PSU must meet or exceed system’s amp requirement; lower amps = underpowered.

Common Dangerous Combinations

For quick reference, here are the most critical power supply mistakes to avoid:

Mistake Why it’s dangerous
Mega Drive 1 PSU → Mega Drive 2 Opposite polarity (centre-neg → centre-pos)
Mega Drive 2 / 32X / Nomad PSU → Mega Drive 1 Opposite polarity (centre-pos → centre-neg)
Any 9V PSU → Game Boy DMG Wrong voltage (needs 6V)
Any DC PSU → NTSC NES/SNES (AC) Wrong type (AC vs DC)
9V PSU → Neo Geo AES (later) / Neo Geo CD Wrong voltage and polarity (needs 5V centre-positive)

References

  1. ↑ Based on specifications from Console Power Supply Bible, used as source for voltage, amperage, and polarity details.
Retrieved from "https://retroregister.com/wiki/index.php?title=Barrel_Power_Supplies&oldid=469"