slot expanders and PSU questions

Champion (401)

09-11-2021, 15:50

Hi all,

I have 2 slot expanders, 1 MK slot expander v3.0 and a 8bits4ever 4x slotexpander.
I always used the MK always without a powersupply but noticed that it looked like it needed more power for certain cards.
With the new one arriving hopefully soon I was wondering if I should start using a powersupply for it.
But a few questions:

1. the 8bit4ever can use a 5v powersupply, would a powerfull USB wall-plug work? (in conbination with this cable )
2. I've heard that the downside of a external powersupply is that the expander is always powered and needs to be unplugged before removing and/or inserting a new cardridge. Is that true? And what damage could it do while the MSX is turned off?
3. Do al slot expanders that can use a external powersupply the same voltage?

Thanks!

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Par Pencioner

Scribe (1611)

09-11-2021, 17:24

Hi Moniz

in short:
1. Yes (i do this way). Please check polarity for being safe before use
2. Unplug power even if MSX is not powered on when inserting/removing cartridge, it is dangerous not only to your MSX but to cartridges as well. You might buy cable like this to make it convenient
3. Did not understand the question

Par Grauw

Ascended (10821)

09-11-2021, 18:20

3. I could be wrong but afaik the MK power supply needs -5V, 12V and -12V as well. Although I could imagine it being possible to take those voltages from the MSX since they’re not used often? Not sure if that is possible electrically, maybe the 8bits4ever expander does it or maybe it generates those internally from the 5V.

Par Pencioner

Scribe (1611)

09-11-2021, 18:27

Hm, no idea about MK power supply (but i'm sure -5V is not needed because you have only +5, -12 and +12 on cartridge), but 8bits4ever expander only uses +5V external and +-12V are delivered from computer. So if you use more than one cartridge which uses 12V lines it might be not enough

Par Moniz

Champion (401)

09-11-2021, 21:09

Ah thanks for answering Grauw and Pencioner!

Quote:

2. Unplug power even if MSX is not powered on when inserting/removing cartridge, it is dangerous not only to your MSX but to cartridges as well. You might buy cable like this to make it convenient

I dont replace cardridges a lot, but good to know.. I always use a powerbrick with a switch to turn everything off, might as well use that then..
But good to know that I can use that cable, nice

Too bad the MK uses more different voltages, if nog it wiould be easy to make an adpatercable to be able to use that with a simple USB charger as well..