Power Adaptors / Famicom Power Supply

[chimyfolkbutter]

Welcome and scroll down to AC adapters thread.  You will find answers.

-CFB

[JC]

  HERE

[Doc]

I'm sure it's legit, considering the source.

[JC]

I just wrote this up based on Super56k, Chimy, michaelthegreat and madman's knowledge. Please comment on it, because I want to get everything right.

One thing I'm not sure of is whether the "specs"  are different for the Famicom and Disk System. Plus, I do not have a set of recommendation for buying a Famicom-compatible AC adaptor that is  different from the original.

...BELOW...

It is recommended that you use the original AC adaptor that came with the Famicom, Disk System and accessories when playing in the United States or Canada.

Famicom:

The Famicom AC adaptor is equipped with the same prongs, nearly the same input voltage (AC 100V) and the proper output voltage (DC 10V) as AC adaptors used in the United States and Canada.

Never use an NES AC adaptor with your Famicom. Most adaptors transform the electricity from AC to DC. The NES adaptor takes the input voltage down but still puts out AC, which is potentially harmful to your Famicom.

To prevent from overheating and damaging your Famicom, it is highly recommended that you use a step-down converter. Japanese electrical outlets output 100V, which is what the Famicom AC adaptor is made to input. United States and Canadian electrical outlets output 120V. Step-down converters that will convert the electrical outlet output to 100V are available online and in stores.

Disk System:

The Disk System is equipped with the same prongs, nearly the same input voltage (AC 100V) and the proper output voltage (DC10V) as AC adaptors used in the United States and Canada. has a DC 9V voltage regulator. The voltage regulator needs at least DC 9V or above to operate. (The limit is likely DC 12V.) You can figure this out by multiplying the voltage of the C battery by the number of batteries required: DC 1.5V x 6 = DC 9V. The Disk System adaptor is center negative. Adaptors in US and Canada are usually set to positive. The key is the amp rating. Your amp rating has to be at least 850mA.

So, you can use any adaptor in which:

1.  The center tip can be changed to negative.
2.  The voltage can be set to DC 9V.
3.  The amp rating at least 850mA.

The original FDS adapter is DC 10V, but the voltage regulator can handle DC 9-12V.

To prevent from overheating and damaging your Disk System, it is recommended that you use a step-down converter. Japanese electrical outlets output 100V, which is what the Famicom AC adaptor is made to input. United States and Canadian electrical outlets output 110V. Step-down converters that will convert the electrical outlet output to 100V are available online and in stores.

[ogrito]

I have a question:

The famicom ac adaptor output are 10V and how much amperage?
(sorry about my language skills).
Tks,
Ogrito

[michaelthegreat]

I had an HVC adaptor and it says that it puts out 10V, 850ma, center negative.  That means that you either need a US power adaptor that puts out close to that or you need a step down converter. 

The US snes AC adaptor is exactly a match for this power wise, but I don't think the plug fits in  the FC.  For the adventurous people out there, you could splice two cables together (US SNES adaptor to FC tip).  If anyone wants to send me both a FC AC adaptor and a SNES AC adaptor, I'd like to try that as a test to see how it works.  I would switch the cord completely, so there would be no splice.  I don't see any reason why that shouldn't work.  Since FC adaptors can be found for around $10 and SNES adaptors can be found at your local Salvation Army for $1.50, that might be a viable solution.  I've been slow on everything lately, so plan on me taking two weeks if you take me up on the offer.  I'd like to document the process for everyone.  Remember kids, update your insurance before playing with powerful electric forces!   

According to this website, the FDS adaptor is different.  I personally really don't know.  I'm not trying to contradict you.

http://maru-chang.com/hard/hvc/english.htm

ps JC I think we talked about the FDS adaptor earlier, and I think yours came with a 10V 850ma center negative.  Did the snes adaptor fit your FDS?  Does the snes adaptor fit your FC?

[JC]

From what I've read, it doesn't seem like a little heat is a problem. Most electronics emit some heat while running. The Famicom has some metal dillywho that's made for collecting and emitting that heat. But, don't forget super56k's (I think) advice about cooking your Famicom alive. US/Can outlets are 120v, while the Famicom wants only 100v. Step-down converters ensure you won't damage your console.

[Geo]

I bought a Famicom AC adapter on ebay and when it finally arrived, I plugged it in on my Famicom and I had a big problem. The Famicom outputted a buzzing noise and a weird distorted black screen. Also, the AC transformer feels loose when I move it (like something is moving inside the transformer)

I tried my Sega Genesis model 1 AC and it works fine. Does that mean that my Famicom AC is faulty or is it because I have to get a step-down converter?

For the record, my Famicom is AV modded and it's a HVC-001. The AC adapter that is having problems is a HVC-002 adapter.

[JC]

Anyone know what AC I'd need to run a Game Doctor and Turbo GD6+?

[chimyfolkbutter]

I use my extra famicom adapter or 9v Center tip -.

[madman]

Yep, almost every copier ever made uses the same power adapter.

[The Ancient]

Just found out something.

The Sega AC adapter will work on the Famicom? Because its ODC 9V (dunno the right way to say it)

Will that work?

[satoshi_matrix]

Yes, the US Genesis 2 (the smaller, square one most commonly found) has an AC adaptor that works with the Famicom and most Famiclones. In fact, every Famiclone I own except for the Handy FamiEight uses the same AC adaptor. They're all interchangeable. 

[The Ancient]

I bought an AC Adapter from store which is universal.

I have a huge problem. When I change to ODV is 9 and when I plug it in.... to test it out and then I left it on the ground. Few minutes (like 30-45 mins) I smelled something funny and tried to figure out where that awful smell coming from. I realize It's my AC universal adapter making the smell. I quickly took it out and let it rest on the ground.

So, Um why does it do that?

P.S. I plugged it on the long plug thing (you know you can have many plug in it, I don't know the name of the long thing is) instead of the wall outlet.

[satoshi_matrix]

Thats odd. It shouldn't really matter what the imput is (unless your in Europe) since there isn't much difference between Japan 110 and US 120 volts. The only that that'll really matter is the output. You need 9volts DC 200mA + -------- - polarity. No Famicom or Famiclone I own has ever given me any problems like that. Maybe your Power Bar is no good?