DC into AC power supply - how?

SUBMAN1 · 07-12-06, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skybird

Hm, since some minutes, I do not need one device, but two.

First is for a Fidelity Chess Challenger Voice (1979)It demands 8.5V AC (9V still doing well) and 1100 mA (1000 still working well), and alternate current. It is likely that I solved this thing by finding an AC device that matches these values, I just need to cut the wires and attach the old 2-pin-plug to it, isolate it, and hope it works.Second is more tricky, a Fidelity Chess Challenger Sensory Champion (1982). It wants to be feeded with 8.5V (9V) AC and 1500mA. such a device I am seaaching for on the web, ebay, chess computer sites. So far in vain.Will try if the first power unit also works for the Champion, despite the lesser Amperes. I also did not manage to get positive replies from electronic stores if their are adapaters for thes terriubly old connectors. The computers have fixed wires ending in two-pin-connectors, 1mm thick, 4 mm separate, however, the CC Voice has not two poins, but one pin is replaced by one small "square". These plugs I haven'T seen since went to school, and younger salesmen in the electronics sections of warehouses even do not know what I am talking of. Collecting old chess computers is nice - as long as nothing brakes down...

Hmm. I think I just threw away a Fidelity Chess Challenger from 1982 - comes in a golden brown box with yellowish beige and brown squares for the chess board, and the red LED display to call out moves. Had 2 of them - both had issues when they got hot to the point where the computer screwed up and forgot where its own peices were. All of them had this issue.

-S

PS. You best bet is a DC to AC car adapter. Only problem is, those things are bulky.

PPS. Play your game fast because the heat problem will screw you up.

Skybird · 07-12-06, 10:15 AM

Don't worry, I know my babies! Heat has been a problem with the fidelity models until the introduction of - hm, let'S say the Sensory8/9-model line. Many pieces fell victim to this problem. I use to position them on 1cm high mini"feet", for that reason, and no textile-covered table. The problem has been at least as great with many Novag- and SciSys-models. Remember , these are the Challengers! Treat them with respect.

the later arriving Mephistos never had probolems with heat, as to my best knowledge (excluding the high-tuned tournament-machines).

SUBMAN1 · 07-12-06, 10:21 AM

See - the real issue is - I was such a bad ass chess player, it overheated trying to beat me and failed. That is the real story!:p

Skybird · 07-12-06, 10:32 AM

Play with me, then. I make you freeze in no time.

SUBMAN1 · 07-12-06, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skybird

Play with me, then. I make you freeze in no time.

Ouch!

VipertheSniper · 07-12-06, 11:12 AM

Ever tried with an old Märklin transformator? I know it's not an ideal solution, but for example my dad made an old turntable which, wasn't intended for current feed from the plug in the wall, but from the amplifier most likely, work with that. What I don't know is if the transformator is regulating the voltage or the amps tho... I also have no idea what how much amps it puts out... the sign on the transformator says 10 W but I guess that's the power drain from the plug in the wall.

tycho102 · 07-12-06, 01:05 PM

Inverters turn DC into AC. These are extremely common. What is uncommon is "clean" sine-wave AC power. It's cheaper to build step-wave bridge circuits for high-current purposes. Step waves require a bunch of switching regulators, whereas sine-wave requires splitting your signal into three phases (meaning three times the wiring and circuits).

Rectifiers turn AC into DC. These are probably more common than you might imagine. Your computer's PSU is a rectifier. All those little power dongles for your Ipod, radio, Xbox, and laptop are rectifiers. Again the main problem is "clean" power -- in this case it is the "ripple" inside the "DC" voltage.

In terms of the ease of conversion, they are both equally easy. A sine-wave inverter will cost more than a 1mv ripple rectifier, simply because of the extra circuitry and materials involved.

@Skybird--

It's strange that you would be needing 9v AC for a computer (even if it's a chess computer). I would imagine that you actually just need the right rectifier. If the rectifier is hard-wired into the unit and you're trying to run it from your car, well then, yeah -- I could understand the need for an inverter if it was a 220v output like the rest of Europe's AC. In the States, 12vDC-to-120vAC inverters are cheap to find. A 75w inverter costs $16, and would certainly power that thing.

Heh. You could probably buy a good 220v to 120v "converter" for $20, and use it like that. Highly inefficient, of course, but it would work.

07-12-06, 10:15 AM	#2
Skybird Soaring Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: the mental asylum named Germany Posts: 42,693 Downloads: 10 Uploads: 0	Don't worry, I know my babies! Heat has been a problem with the fidelity models until the introduction of - hm, let'S say the Sensory8/9-model line. Many pieces fell victim to this problem. I use to position them on 1cm high mini"feet", for that reason, and no textile-covered table. The problem has been at least as great with many Novag- and SciSys-models. Remember , these are the Challengers! Treat them with respect. the later arriving Mephistos never had probolems with heat, as to my best knowledge (excluding the high-tuned tournament-machines). __________________ If you feel nuts, consult an expert.

07-12-06, 10:21 AM	#3
SUBMAN1 Rear Admiral Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 11,866 Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	See - the real issue is - I was such a bad ass chess player, it overheated trying to beat me and failed. That is the real story!:p __________________

07-12-06, 10:32 AM	#4
Skybird Soaring Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: the mental asylum named Germany Posts: 42,693 Downloads: 10 Uploads: 0	Play with me, then. I make you freeze in no time. __________________ If you feel nuts, consult an expert.

07-12-06, 01:05 PM	#7
tycho102 Ace of the Deep Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 1,100 Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	Inverters turn DC into AC. These are extremely common. What is uncommon is "clean" sine-wave AC power. It's cheaper to build step-wave bridge circuits for high-current purposes. Step waves require a bunch of switching regulators, whereas sine-wave requires splitting your signal into three phases (meaning three times the wiring and circuits). Rectifiers turn AC into DC. These are probably more common than you might imagine. Your computer's PSU is a rectifier. All those little power dongles for your Ipod, radio, Xbox, and laptop are rectifiers. Again the main problem is "clean" power -- in this case it is the "ripple" inside the "DC" voltage. In terms of the ease of conversion, they are both equally easy. A sine-wave inverter will cost more than a 1mv ripple rectifier, simply because of the extra circuitry and materials involved. @Skybird-- It's strange that you would be needing 9v AC for a computer (even if it's a chess computer). I would imagine that you actually just need the right rectifier. If the rectifier is hard-wired into the unit and you're trying to run it from your car, well then, yeah -- I could understand the need for an inverter if it was a 220v output like the rest of Europe's AC. In the States, 12vDC-to-120vAC inverters are cheap to find. A 75w inverter costs $16, and would certainly power that thing. Heh. You could probably buy a good 220v to 120v "converter" for $20, and use it like that. Highly inefficient, of course, but it would work. __________________ My little Silent Hunter 4 repository

07-12-06, 11:12 AM	#6
VipertheSniper Ace of the Deep Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Austria Posts: 1,074 Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	Ever tried with an old Märklin transformator? I know it's not an ideal solution, but for example my dad made an old turntable which, wasn't intended for current feed from the plug in the wall, but from the amplifier most likely, work with that. What I don't know is if the transformator is regulating the voltage or the amps tho... I also have no idea what how much amps it puts out... the sign on the transformator says 10 W but I guess that's the power drain from the plug in the wall.