Oops, my obsession with computers from my childhood strikes again!

[PhilC]

Well, I was half expecting this, but the PSU for the Apple IIe has exited stage left...

Looks like the Meanwell RQ-50B has all 4 voltages and at the correct or higher amperage, so time to order one and go modern...

That sucks Jon but I shall be watching your replacement progress just in case I need to do the same in future.

[rubber_jonnie]

Well, I was half expecting this, but the PSU for the Apple IIe has exited stage left...

Looks like the Meanwell RQ-50B has all 4 voltages and at the correct or higher amperage, so time to order one and go modern...

That sucks Jon but I shall be watching your replacement progress just in case I need to do the same in future.

Yeah, it is poo, but it seems like these PSUs are hampered by a hot spot in the middle, I now have big brown patches at either end of a 2W resistor and it won't start. I guess I can forgive it for being 40 years old :)

Meanwell is ordered, just a waiting game now.

[rubber_jonnie]

@PhilC

Ok, so so the RQ-50B arrived today, and a very quick hookup tests perfectly, all powered on and running :)

Unfortunately we have guests imminent, so I don't have any pics at present, however I can say it's using the original power switch and socket, and the original PSU will still be present, however none of the guts will be operational.

There looks to be enough space for the Meanwell on top of the old PSU too, so a perfect location whereby the old PSU can remain installed and provide the input and switching, but the new PSU will power the machine.

I'll post pictures when I have time.

[rubber_jonnie]

@PhilC

Here's the PSU before closing up and fitting:

PXL_20230708_163443962.jpg

The white wire is simply a mains cable to route power from the original power connector and switch out to the Meanwell. The internals of the old PSU are there but disconnected from the mains.

And this is the whole lot fitted and working:

PXL_20230708_164854926.jpg

The Meanwell is stuck to the top of the old PSU, I just need to leave it to run for a while and see what the thermals are like.

[PhilC]

@rubber_jonnie thats an interesting solution, hoping mine behaves for a little while longer though

[rubber_jonnie]

@rubber_jonnie thats an interesting solution, hoping mine behaves for a little while longer though

Well, if I'm honest, it's not ideal, but I really didn't want to chop up the old PSU, and this worked. Hope your original lasts longer too, and I may re-do this at some point in the future, but for now I'm just glad to have it back up and running.

[rubber_jonnie]

Quick little project yesterday, and something I've been meaning to do for some time:

PXL_20230712_161317330.jpg

Joystick adapter for the IIe based on the info found here: Apple II joystick cable

Yes, I know, the hot glue for strain relief looks awful, my plan to keep it nice and square didn't quite work, but it'll be in the spirit of the 80s...

EDIT:

Further joystick info:

Screenshot 2023-07-13 at 10.24.32.png

Just in case anybody wants to build their own.

[stephen_usher]

Yeah, that adapter looks authentic 80s. Having said that I didn't meet hot glue until the 90s so I would have used insulation tape or gaffer tape at the time. :-)

[rubber_jonnie]

Yeah, that adapter looks authentic 80s. Having said that I didn't meet hot glue until the 90s so I would have used insulation tape or gaffer tape at the time. :-)

Agreed, hot glue was more 90s, but I think it looks sufficiently like epoxy that I might get away with it :)

[rubber_jonnie]

A little more Joystick detail:

Screenshot 2023-07-14 at 11.27.25.png

Just for reference