Quick Question - Namco 5-in-1 hack - *completed* - got Q's? please ask

[LordDamo]

Im about ot wire a 6v transformer to my namco 5-in-1 unit, and im trying to work out which wire on the transformer is + and which is -

Inside the namco theres a red and black wire so thats easy, but on the transfoer is plug i'll have to cut off, and the wires are both black, but one has a white stripe on it. Which is positive and which negative?

Thanks in advance;

LD

[SirPeale]

Take a multimeter, and measure for goodness sake!  You'll get your answer instantly, *and* see if the transformer falls within range.

[LordDamo]

Ahhh, I dont have one.

I only mame stuff, im not into the full origonal arcade cabs (yet).

It should be ok, its a 500 Ma one.

[SirPeale]

I wasn't concerned with the amperage, but the voltage.  Despite being 'listed' for 6V it may actually be much higher!

And even if you're not going to do arcade cabinets, you should invest in a $10 multimeter.  Look, already today you've found need for one.

Perhaps tomorrow you'll need to trace a circuit path.

[LordDamo]

True true

If anyone can answer this question, it'll be most apprecated.

(Peale, i'l "bite the bullet" and get one next payday, ok? thanks for the advice.)

[SirPeale]

Again, I urge you to *not* do anything until you can properly measure that voltage!  You'll kick yourself in the head (not an easy task) if you fry your Jakk's game first time out!

When I was looking for transformer for my unit, I measured some supposedly 6v units that were putting out ten volts!

Once you have a multimeter, you can find easily which is negative.  If you read, and it displays a positive number, your black lead is on the negative.  If it reads negative, the other wire is.

I don't know how the Radio Shacks around you are, but you could take the unit there and have it tested.  I'm actually blessed to have two decent units nearby

[hatrick]

I'm with Peale on waiting till you get a multimeter.
However...
MOST transformers will have a polarity diagram on the case to show wich portion of the plug is positive and negative. If you look at that and trace which wire goes to wich part of the plug, you should have your answer.

[jimmyjet]

I third the opinion to get a multimeter.  I too have had 6vdc adapters that put out way too much voltage for the Jakk's game.  I have also found a 4.5vdc adapter that put out a perfect 6v.
jim

[quarterback]

I've said it before and I'm sure I'll say it again.

[LordDamo]

I've said it before and I'm sure I'll say it again.  If anybody in the US is looking for an extra multimeter, Harbor Freight's got them for $3

Sorry dude, im in Australia. I might go down to super cheap Auto though.

I third the opinion to get a multimeter. I too have had 6vdc adapters that put out way too much voltage for the Jakk's game. I have also found a 4.5vdc adapter that put out a perfect 6v.
jim

Its a selectable one. from 3v to 12v. It has a 4.5v setting, should I just use that?

[SirPeale]

The selectable ones are *notorious* for not putting out the voltage you select.  Well...some are better than others.  I've got a bunch of universal laptop adaptors that put out .3 volts over what you select, but that's acceptable.

[quarterback]

I've said it before and I'm sure I'll say it again.

[LordDamo]

ok, got this sorted.

The black wire is negitive. The black wire with the white stripe is positive.

The 6V setting is 6.2V - so its well within range.

Thanks to all those who helped.

[Shape D.]

What is an acceptable deviation on these anyways?

I'm starting mine early next month, and would prefer not to fry my boards.

[LordDamo]

an acceptable deviation would something like 0.2 or 0.3 of a volt higher or lower than the usual 6v.

I've run mine on the 4.5v setting (which is really 4.8v) with no probs. The only difference I can note is the LED isn't quite as bright. If you think about it, its like the batteries are a bit flat. Its Australia day here today so me and my mates have been giving it a good workout with no problems.

[penjuin]

hooray for australia day! (got me the day off school it did )