How I nearly killed my Twin Fami

[2A03]

Well, tonight I decided to remove some power supplies in my setup in order to reduce cable clutter. I decided to have my Twin Famicom use my Atari 5200's power supply (mainly because it puts out better amperage; the Twin Fami needs 1.25A compared to the 650mA I had going in it), since my 5200's power supply is one of those multiplug adapters. While double checking the polarity on the Twin Fami, I must've accidentally removed the plug... and put it in the wrong polarity. Big mistake. So, I plugged it in the Twin Fami and sure enough, I heard a loud bang come from inside the system and smoke poured out of the air vents.

I just got through taking it apart not too long ago, and it turns out that pop was one of the capacitors on the power/AV board, which burst. Hopefully once it's replaced, it'll be working again. Is there a possibility that something else could've been damaged?

And for reference, the capacitor in question is the large one rated at 2200uF, the one nearest the power jack.

[133MHz]

Hopefully it's the only thing that blew, and maybe the 7805 power regulator too. Get one of those too, just in case, they don't cost more than a dollar and you'll save a trip to the electronics store if you find it blown.

I find it amazing that it didn't have any reverse polarity protection. I disassembled an AV Famicom (to be specific, satoshi_matrix's AV Famicom) and found a diode in line with the power supply, so that in a reverse polarity situation it won't conduct, protecting the system. It may be a good idea to install a 1N4002 rectifier diode in line with the positive coming from the adapter, to prevent this from happening again.

[2A03]

Hopefully it's the only thing that blew, and maybe the 7805 power regulator too. Get one of those too, just in case, they don't cost more than a dollar and you'll save a trip to the electronics store if you find it blown.

I find it amazing that it didn't have any reverse polarity protection. I disassembled an AV Famicom (to be specific, satoshi_matrix's AV Famicom) and found a diode in line with the power supply, so that in a reverse polarity situation it won't conduct, protecting the system. It may be a good idea to install a 1N4002 rectifier diode in line with the positive coming from the adapter, to prevent this from happening again.

Well, it's a good thing I have a new 7805 laying around; hopefully I don't have to wind up replacing it. And yes, I'll definitely consider soldering in a rectifier diode, especially after all this.

[133MHz]

It may be a good idea to install a 1N4002 rectifier diode in line with the positive coming from the adapter, to prevent this from happening again.

I'll definitely consider soldering in a rectifier diode, especially after all this.

Wise decision, and a very good warning to all Twin Famicom owners .

[2A03]

Wise decision, and a very good warning to all Twin Famicom owners .

Especially if they plan to use any multiplug adapter.

I just about lost it when I saw the smoke coming out of my Twin Fami...

[kite200]

and thats when I just use the ac adapter that came with it........

[2A03]

and thats when I just use the ac adapter that came with it........

The power supply that came with mine wasn't even the right one; it was a PC Engine power supply with a different tip spliced on and the polarity reversed.

[manuel]

It may be a good idea to install a 1N4002 rectifier diode in line with the positive coming from the adapter, to prevent this from happening again.

I'll definitely consider soldering in a rectifier diode, especially after all this.

Wise decision, and a very good warning to all Twin Famicom owners .

This went on in my head when reading the conversation:
? ... ? ...    .    *silence*
What I've learned: Only use original stuff. Wouldn't want to kill my one and only Twin Famicom.

[2A03]

I managed to replace the capacitor today and everything checks out!

[fredJ]

I am surprised. I've put in the wrong polarity many times on different twins without them breaking. You must have done something else than just mix up the polarity?

[2A03]

I am surprised. I've put in the wrong polarity many times on different twins without them breaking. You must have done something else than just mix up the polarity?

Nope, that was just it. I don't know why you bumped a three-year old thread though, especially considering that I don't even own the Twin Fami in question anymore (I believe Satoshi_Matrix still has it...).

[fredJ]

Was it the red Twin Famicom?

I am trying to figure out why your broke when mine don't.  Thank you for helping. 

[2A03]

Was it the red Twin Famicom?

I am trying to figure out why your broke when mine don't.  Thank you for helping. 

It was a black Twin Fami.