Difference between revisions of "AC adaptor"

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Most modern homes are linked to a power grid, and offer power from electrical sockets. An AC adaptor takes some of that power and gives it to an electrical device, e.g. a [[Sega Mega Drive]]. Electrical standards vary between countries but a Sega Mega Drive typically requires only a certain amount regardless of origin, thus one role of the AC adaptor is to only allow a certain amount of power through.
 
Most modern homes are linked to a power grid, and offer power from electrical sockets. An AC adaptor takes some of that power and gives it to an electrical device, e.g. a [[Sega Mega Drive]]. Electrical standards vary between countries but a Sega Mega Drive typically requires only a certain amount regardless of origin, thus one role of the AC adaptor is to only allow a certain amount of power through.
  
−
It is called an ''AC'' adaptor as it converts [[wikipedia:alternating current|alternating current]] (AC) into [[wikipedia:direct current|direct current]] (DC). Alternating current is used to help electrical impluses travel long distances but is useless in electrical equipment and thus needs converting.  Also when travelling large distances voltages (measured in volts, V) are kept high while currents (measured in amps, A) are kept low - this is also not appropriate for home use. Though the science behind AC adaptors can be confusing for those not familiar with the laws of physics, the the short description is that an AC adaptor gives a console life without destroying the internal components.
+
It is called an ''AC'' adaptor as it converts [[wikipedia:alternating current|alternating current]] (AC) into [[wikipedia:direct current|direct current]] (DC). An alternating current is used to help electrical impulses travel long distances but is useless in electrical equipment and thus needs converting.  When travelling large distances, voltages (measured in volts, V) are kept high while currents (measured in amps, A) are kept low. This is not appropriate for home use. Though the science behind AC adaptors can be confusing for those not familiar with the laws of physics, the short description is that an AC adaptor gives a console life without destroying the internal components.
  
−
AC adaptors are a necessary evil - they are often big and heavy and are prone to becoming hot after long periods of use. Furthremore there are three "types" of AC adaptors in terms of design - adaptors whose components are centred around the plug, "brick-in-line" adaptors where the components are somewhere along the lead, and internal adaptors, where the components are stored within the device itself. [[Sega]] chose to ignore the middle option for home consoles, leading to much frustration in the early 1990s when the company was releasing systems almost annually.
+
AC adaptors are a necessary evil - they are often big, heavy and cumbersome, and are prone to becoming hot after long periods of use. There are three "types" of AC adaptors in terms of design:
  
−
Prior to the [[Sega Saturn]] AC adaptors were built into the plug, their size often obstructing surrounding sockets in the process (and possibly even putting strain on the wall). For one console (say, the Mega Drive) this is inconvenient but managable, but should one wish to purchase a [[Sega Mega-CD]] and [[Sega 32X]], each requiring their own similarly-designed power supply, problems can arise. In response Sega released the [[Sega Power Strip]] in North America. The Sega Saturn and [[Sega Dreamcast]] have their AC adpaptor within the console itself, meaning more ventilation is needed to keep the system cool.
+
* Adaptors whose components are centred around the plug
 +
* "Brick-in-line" adaptors where the components are somewhere along with the lead
 +
* Internal adaptors, where the components are stored within the device itself.  
  
−
Some adaptors are interchangable without causing halm, but as there are official standards in terms of voltage, current or even connectors, just because a power lead looks as if it should fit does not mean it is a good idea to use it. All Sega consoles have their electrical requirements printed somewhere on the unit, and likewise most power supplies offer similar information. Some issues are not as obvious - you cannot use a Mega Drive model 1 power supply with a model 2 for example, but you can use it on a model 1 [[Sega Mega-CD].
+
[[Sega]] chose to ignore the middle option for home consoles, leading to much frustration in the early 1990s when the company was releasing systems almost annually.
  
−
Note also that consoles are built around the country's electrical standards, so a Dreamcast from the United States is designed to work with a North American 120V, 60Hz electrical supply. A Dreamcast from the United Kingdom is designed for 230-240V, 50Hz - using a UK AC adaptor on a North American Dreamcast will destroy it if one does not use a step-down converter. That being said, plug standards also differ between countries - the UK's type G plug will not fit in a US type A/B socket, so some sort of converter will be needed regardless (likewise for the television signal - the US uses NTSC, the UK uses PAL-I).
+
Prior to the [[Sega Saturn]], AC adaptors were built into the plug, with their size often obstructing surrounding sockets in the process (and possibly even putting a strain on the wall). For one console (say, the Mega Drive) this is inconvenient but manageable. However, if someone wishes to purchase a [[Sega Mega-CD]] and [[Sega 32X]], which each requiring their own similarly-designed power supply, problems can arise. In response, Sega released the [[Sega Power Strip]] in North America. The Sega Saturn and [[Sega Dreamcast]] have their AC adaptor within the console itself, meaning more ventilation is needed to keep the system cool.
 +
 
 +
Some adaptors are interchangeable without causing harm, but there are official standards in terms of voltage, current or even connectors. Just because a power lead looks as if it fits the connector size, this doesn't mean it is acceptably safe for all systems. All Sega consoles have their electrical requirements printed somewhere on the unit, and most power supplies have similar information printed on them. Some issues are not as obvious—you cannot use a Mega Drive model 1 power supply with a model 2 for example, but you can use it on a Model 1 Sega Mega-CD.
 +
 
 +
Consoles are often built around the country's electrical standards, so a Dreamcast from the United States is designed to work with a North American 120V, 60Hz electrical supply. A Dreamcast from the United Kingdom is designed for 230-240V, 50Hz; using a UK AC adaptor on a North American Dreamcast will destroy it if one does not use a step-down converter. Plug standards also differ between countries—the UK's [https://www.iec.ch/world-plugs type G plug] will not fit in a US type A/B socket, so some sort of converter will be needed regardless (likewise for the television signal - the US uses NTSC, the UK uses PAL-I).
  
 
==AC Adaptors==
 
==AC Adaptors==
−
Note this list is incomplete. When dealing with power supplies it is advised that you check the label(s) to make sure the numbers match up.
+
Note this list is incomplete. When dealing with power supplies, it is advised that you check the label(s) to make sure the numbers match up.
 +
 
 +
===SC-3000===
 +
AC Adaptor for [[SC-3000]] by [[John Sands Electronics]].
 +
<gallery>
 +
John Sands Electronics AC Adaptor SC3000 AU Label.jpg
 +
</gallery>
  
 
===3025===
 
===3025===
−
Intended for the [[Sega Master System]], but will also function on a model 1 [[Sega Mega Drive]].
+
Intended for the [[Sega Master System]], but will also function on a model 1 [[Sega Mega Drive]] and [[Sega Game Gear]].
−
<gallery>
+
<gallery widths="80">
−
File:ACAdaptor 3025.jpg|3025
+
ACAdaptor 3025.jpg|3025
−
File:ACAdaptor 3025 alt.jpg|3025 (alt)
+
ACAdaptor 3025 alt.jpg|3025 (alt)
−
File:ACAdaptor 3025-1.jpg|3025-1
+
ACAdaptor 3025-1.jpg|3025-1
−
File:ACAdaptor 3025-03.jpg|3025-03
+
ACAdaptor 3025-03.jpg|3025-03
 +
ACAdaptor 3025-18.jpg|3025-18
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
 
===3084===
 
===3084===
−
TODO
+
UK Mega Drive 1.
−
<gallery>
+
<gallery widths="80">
 
File:ACAdaptor 3084.jpg|3084
 
File:ACAdaptor 3084.jpg|3084
 +
</gallery>
 +
 +
===1601===
 +
AC Adaptor for Sega Mega Drive ASIA PAL-B (VE) 1601-07
 +
<gallery widths="80">
 +
File:Pal-B_(VE)_1601-07.jpg|1601-07
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
 
===1602===
 
===1602===
 
1602s were built for the [[Sega Mega Drive]] (model 1) and both versions of the [[Sega Mega-CD]]. They will also function with a [[Sega Master System]].
 
1602s were built for the [[Sega Mega Drive]] (model 1) and both versions of the [[Sega Mega-CD]]. They will also function with a [[Sega Master System]].
−
<gallery>
+
<gallery widths="80">
−
File:ACAdaptor 1602.jpg|1602
+
ACAdaptor 1602.jpg|1602
−
File:ACAdaptor 1602-1.jpg|1602-1
+
ACAdaptor 1602-1.jpg|1602-1
−
No image|1602-2
+
ACAdaptor_1602-2.jpg|1602-2
−
No image|1602-3
+
ACAdaptor 1602-3.jpg|1602-3
−
File:ACAdaptor 1602-03.jpg|1602-03
+
ACAdaptor 1602-03.jpg|1602-03
−
File:ACAdaptor 1602-05.jpg|1602-05
+
ACAdaptor 1602-05.jpg|1602-05
−
File:ACAdaptor 1602-18.jpg|1602-18
+
ACAdaptor 1602-18.jpg|1602-18
 +
ACAdaptor 1602-18 alt.jpg|1602-18; alt
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
 
===MK-1636===
 
===MK-1636===
−
TODO
+
MK-1636s (230V, 50 Hz) power the [[Sega Mega Drive]] (model 2) and [[Sega 32X]]. They can also be used with the [[Sega Game Gear]] and [[Sega Nomad]].
−
<gallery>
+
<gallery widths="80">
−
File:ACAdaptor MK-1636-03.jpg|MK-1636-03
+
ACAdaptor MK-1636-03.jpg|MK-1636-03
−
File:ACAdaptor MK-1636-05.jpg|MK-1636-05
+
ACAdaptor MK-1636-03 alt.jpg|MK-1636-03 (alt)
−
File:ACAdaptor MK-1636-05 alt.jpg|MK-1636-05 (alt)
+
ACAdaptor MK-1636-05.jpg|MK-1636-05
−
File:ACAdaptor MK-1636-18.jpg|MK-1636-18
+
ACAdaptor MK-1636-05 alt.jpg|MK-1636-05 (alt)
 +
ACAdaptor MK-1636-18.jpg|MK-1636-18
 +
ACAdaptor MK-1636-18 alt.jpg|MK-1636-18 (alt)
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
 
===MK-2103===
 
===MK-2103===
−
MK-2103s power the [[Sega Mega Drive]] (model 2) and [[Sega 32X]]. They can also be used with the [[Sega Game Gear]] and [[Sega Nomad]].
+
MK-2103s (120V, 60 Hz) power the [[Sega Mega Drive]] (model 2) and [[Sega 32X]]. They can also be used with the [[Sega Game Gear]] and [[Sega Nomad]].
−
<gallery>
+
<gallery widths="80">
−
File:ACAdaptor 2103 alt.jpg|2103
+
ACAdaptor 2103 MadeinJapan.jpg|MK-2103 (Made in Japan)
−
File:ACAdaptor 2103 alt2.jpg|MK-2103
+
ACAdaptor 2103 alt.jpg|MK-2103 (Made in China)
−
File:ACAdaptor MK-2103.jpg|MK-2103 (alt)
+
File:ACAdaptor 2103 MadeInTaiwan.JPG|MK-2103 (Made in Taiwan)
 +
File:ACAdaptor MK-2103.jpg|MK-2103 (Made in China; alt)
 +
ACAdaptor 2103 alt2.jpg|MK-2103 (Made in Taiwan; alt)
 +
File:ACAdaptor 2103-1.jpg|2103-1
 
File:ACAdaptor 2103-22.jpg|2103-22
 
File:ACAdaptor 2103-22.jpg|2103-22
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
Line 64: Line 89:
 
===MK-1479===
 
===MK-1479===
 
The MK-1479 was built exclusively for the [[Genesis 3]] console.
 
The MK-1479 was built exclusively for the [[Genesis 3]] console.
−
<gallery>
+
<gallery widths="80">
 
File:ACAdaptor MK-1479.jpg|MK-1479
 
File:ACAdaptor MK-1479.jpg|MK-1479
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
Line 70: Line 95:
 
===MK-4122===
 
===MK-4122===
 
The MK-4122 was built specifically for the [[Sega Multi-Mega]].
 
The MK-4122 was built specifically for the [[Sega Multi-Mega]].
−
<gallery>
+
<gallery widths="80">
 
File:ACAdaptor MK-4122.jpg
 
File:ACAdaptor MK-4122.jpg
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
 
===SA-150===
 
===SA-150===
−
Built for Japanese [[SG-1000]]s and [[Mark III]]s?
+
Built for the Japanese [[SG-1000]] and also included with the [[SC-3000]], [[SG-1000 II]], [[Sega Mark III]] and the Japanese [[Sega Master System]]. It can also be used with the '''Japanese''' [[Sega Game Gear]], which uses the same tip negative DC connector as those consoles.
−
<gallery>
+
<gallery widths="80">
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
 
===SA-160===
 
===SA-160===
−
<gallery>
+
They can also be used with the '''Japanese''' [[Sega Game Gear]] (Japanese version is using minus center and positive outer plug type)
 +
<gallery widths="80">
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
 
===SA-160A===
 
===SA-160A===
−
<gallery>
+
Built for [[Sega Mega Drive]] 1
 +
They can also be used with the '''Japanese''' [[Sega Game Gear]] (Japanese version is using minus center and positive outer plug type)
 +
<gallery widths="80">
 +
File:SA160A.JPG
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
 
===SA-190===
 
===SA-190===
 
Built for the Japanese [[Sega Mega Drive]] 2?
 
Built for the Japanese [[Sega Mega Drive]] 2?
−
<gallery>
+
<gallery widths="80">
 
File:ACAdaptor SA-190.jpg
 
File:ACAdaptor SA-190.jpg
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
Line 95: Line 124:
 
===SA-190A===
 
===SA-190A===
 
Built for the Japanese [[Sega Mega Drive]] 2?
 
Built for the Japanese [[Sega Mega Drive]] 2?
−
<gallery>
+
<gallery widths="80">
 
File:ACAdaptor SA-190A.jpg
 
File:ACAdaptor SA-190A.jpg
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
 
===SA-190B===
 
===SA-190B===
−
<gallery>
+
<gallery widths="80">
 +
</gallery>
 +
 
 +
===HGG-3200===
 +
<gallery widths="80">
 +
File:ACAdaptor HGG-3200.jpg
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
−
==Physical Scans==
+
==Magazine articles==
 +
{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Magazine articles}}
 +
 
 +
==Physical scans==
 
{{Scanbox
 
{{Scanbox
−
| console=Mega Drive 2
+
| console=
−
| region=JP
+
| region=JP (SA-190)
 
| front=ACAdaptor SA-190 MD JP Box Front.jpg
 
| front=ACAdaptor SA-190 MD JP Box Front.jpg
 +
| back=ACAdaptor MD2 JP Box Back SA-190.jpg
 +
| spinemissing=yes
 +
| square=yes
 +
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=
 +
| region=US (Mega Drive (1))
 +
| front=
 
| back=
 
| back=
 
| spinemissing=
 
| spinemissing=
 
| square=yes
 
| square=yes
−
}}{{Scanbox
+
}}
−
| console=Game Gear
+
{{Scanbox
−
| region=US
+
| console=
 +
| region=US (Mega Drive (2))
 +
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
| spinemissing=
 +
| square=yes
 +
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=
 +
| region=US (Genesis 3)
 +
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
| spinemissing=
 +
| square=yes
 +
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=
 +
| region=US (Game Gear)
 +
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
| spinemissing=
 +
| square=yes
 +
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=
 +
| region=US (Game Gear; newer)
 
| front=ACAdaptor GG US Box Front.jpg
 
| front=ACAdaptor GG US Box Front.jpg
 
| back=
 
| back=
 
| spinemissing=
 
| spinemissing=
 
| square=yes
 
| square=yes
−
}}{{Scanbox
+
}}
−
| console=Game Gear
+
{{Scanbox
−
| region=EU
+
| console=
 +
| region=US (Mega-CD)
 +
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
| spinemissing=
 +
| square=yes
 +
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=
 +
| region=US (Universal)
 +
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
| spinemissing=
 +
| square=yes
 +
}}
 +
<!-- In case we ever break this out: 12.95 in the US for GG Adaptor{{magref|gamepro|30|139}} -->
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=
 +
| region=EU (Universal)
 
| front=ACAdaptor GG EU Box Front.jpg
 
| front=ACAdaptor GG EU Box Front.jpg
 
| back=
 
| back=
Line 126: Line 214:
 
| square=yes
 
| square=yes
 
}}
 
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=
 +
| region=DE (Mega Drive II)
 +
| front=ACAdaptor MD DE Box Front.jpg
 +
| back=
 +
| spinemissing=
 +
| square=yes
 +
}}
 +
 +
==References==
 +
<references />
  
 
[[Category:Hardware]]
 
[[Category:Hardware]]

Latest revision as of 16:14, 6 December 2023

AC Adapter used for Genesis models 2 & 3, as well as the Sega Game Gear.

Consoles by Sega, and many other electrical devices require power, and this need is commonly addressed by an AC adaptor (ACアダプター).

Most modern homes are linked to a power grid, and offer power from electrical sockets. An AC adaptor takes some of that power and gives it to an electrical device, e.g. a Sega Mega Drive. Electrical standards vary between countries but a Sega Mega Drive typically requires only a certain amount regardless of origin, thus one role of the AC adaptor is to only allow a certain amount of power through.

It is called an AC adaptor as it converts alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC). An alternating current is used to help electrical impulses travel long distances but is useless in electrical equipment and thus needs converting. When travelling large distances, voltages (measured in volts, V) are kept high while currents (measured in amps, A) are kept low. This is not appropriate for home use. Though the science behind AC adaptors can be confusing for those not familiar with the laws of physics, the short description is that an AC adaptor gives a console life without destroying the internal components.

AC adaptors are a necessary evil - they are often big, heavy and cumbersome, and are prone to becoming hot after long periods of use. There are three "types" of AC adaptors in terms of design:

  • Adaptors whose components are centred around the plug
  • "Brick-in-line" adaptors where the components are somewhere along with the lead
  • Internal adaptors, where the components are stored within the device itself.

Sega chose to ignore the middle option for home consoles, leading to much frustration in the early 1990s when the company was releasing systems almost annually.

Prior to the Sega Saturn, AC adaptors were built into the plug, with their size often obstructing surrounding sockets in the process (and possibly even putting a strain on the wall). For one console (say, the Mega Drive) this is inconvenient but manageable. However, if someone wishes to purchase a Sega Mega-CD and Sega 32X, which each requiring their own similarly-designed power supply, problems can arise. In response, Sega released the Sega Power Strip in North America. The Sega Saturn and Sega Dreamcast have their AC adaptor within the console itself, meaning more ventilation is needed to keep the system cool.

Some adaptors are interchangeable without causing harm, but there are official standards in terms of voltage, current or even connectors. Just because a power lead looks as if it fits the connector size, this doesn't mean it is acceptably safe for all systems. All Sega consoles have their electrical requirements printed somewhere on the unit, and most power supplies have similar information printed on them. Some issues are not as obvious—you cannot use a Mega Drive model 1 power supply with a model 2 for example, but you can use it on a Model 1 Sega Mega-CD.

Consoles are often built around the country's electrical standards, so a Dreamcast from the United States is designed to work with a North American 120V, 60Hz electrical supply. A Dreamcast from the United Kingdom is designed for 230-240V, 50Hz; using a UK AC adaptor on a North American Dreamcast will destroy it if one does not use a step-down converter. Plug standards also differ between countries—the UK's type G plug will not fit in a US type A/B socket, so some sort of converter will be needed regardless (likewise for the television signal - the US uses NTSC, the UK uses PAL-I).

AC Adaptors

Note this list is incomplete. When dealing with power supplies, it is advised that you check the label(s) to make sure the numbers match up.

SC-3000

AC Adaptor for SC-3000 by John Sands Electronics.

  • John Sands Electronics AC Adaptor SC3000 AU Label.jpg

3025

Intended for the Sega Master System, but will also function on a model 1 Sega Mega Drive and Sega Game Gear.

  • 3025

  • 3025 (alt)

  • 3025-1

  • 3025-03

  • 3025-18

3084

UK Mega Drive 1.

  • 3084

1601

AC Adaptor for Sega Mega Drive ASIA PAL-B (VE) 1601-07

  • 1601-07

1602

1602s were built for the Sega Mega Drive (model 1) and both versions of the Sega Mega-CD. They will also function with a Sega Master System.

  • 1602

  • 1602-1

  • 1602-2

  • 1602-3

  • 1602-03

  • 1602-05

  • 1602-18

  • 1602-18; alt

MK-1636

MK-1636s (230V, 50 Hz) power the Sega Mega Drive (model 2) and Sega 32X. They can also be used with the Sega Game Gear and Sega Nomad.

  • MK-1636-03

  • MK-1636-03 (alt)

  • MK-1636-05

  • MK-1636-05 (alt)

  • MK-1636-18

  • MK-1636-18 (alt)

MK-2103

MK-2103s (120V, 60 Hz) power the Sega Mega Drive (model 2) and Sega 32X. They can also be used with the Sega Game Gear and Sega Nomad.

  • MK-2103 (Made in Japan)

  • MK-2103 (Made in China)

  • MK-2103 (Made in Taiwan)

  • MK-2103 (Made in China; alt)

  • MK-2103 (Made in Taiwan; alt)

  • 2103-1

  • 2103-22

MK-1479

The MK-1479 was built exclusively for the Genesis 3 console.

  • MK-1479

MK-4122

The MK-4122 was built specifically for the Sega Multi-Mega.

  • ACAdaptor MK-4122.jpg

SA-150

Built for the Japanese SG-1000 and also included with the SC-3000, SG-1000 II, Sega Mark III and the Japanese Sega Master System. It can also be used with the Japanese Sega Game Gear, which uses the same tip negative DC connector as those consoles.

SA-160

They can also be used with the Japanese Sega Game Gear (Japanese version is using minus center and positive outer plug type)

SA-160A

Built for Sega Mega Drive 1 They can also be used with the Japanese Sega Game Gear (Japanese version is using minus center and positive outer plug type)

  • SA160A.JPG

SA-190

Built for the Japanese Sega Mega Drive 2?

  • ACAdaptor SA-190.jpg

SA-190A

Built for the Japanese Sega Mega Drive 2?

  • ACAdaptor SA-190A.jpg

SA-190B

HGG-3200

  • ACAdaptor HGG-3200.jpg

Magazine articles

Main article: AC adaptor/Magazine articles.

Physical scans

JP (SA-190)
ACAdaptor MD2 JP Box Back SA-190.jpgNospine-small.pngACAdaptor SA-190 MD JP Box Front.jpg
Cover
US (Mega Drive (1))

US (Mega Drive (2))

US (Genesis 3)

US (Game Gear)

US (Game Gear; newer)
ACAdaptor GG US Box Front.jpg
Cover
US (Mega-CD)

US (Universal)

EU (Universal)
ACAdaptor GG EU Box Front.jpg
Cover
DE (Mega Drive II)
ACAdaptor MD DE Box Front.jpg
Cover

References

Retrieved from "https://segaretro.org/index.php?title=AC_adaptor&oldid=941842"