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Changing the mains cord in PSU

protekprotek
edited August 2012 in Hardware
I have an UK +3 PSU. I have an adapter to use it in Euro mains jacks but I want to change the mains cord to one with an Euro plug. You have to change the whole cord as the plug is molded and regulations do not allow separate plugs, thus them not being available to purchase. I've got a cord with plug ready and I've opened the PSU to see how it looks inside.

Is there anything I should take into consideration, when I desolder the old cord from the terminals and solder in the new one? The terminals seem to be covered in something that looks like hot glue. Any need to reapply that after the swap?
Post edited by protek on

Comments

  • lips2k11lips2k11
    edited July 2012
    if your your spectrum is being used at home the regs dont matter... just remove the molded plug and replace with a normal plug, its a lot easier than trying to change the whole cord and the regs only really apply to comercial/industrial devices and home devices that have a metal chasis.
  • protekprotek
    edited July 2012
    @lips2k11:
    The current UK plug isn't molded so that's not the problem. Thing is that separate Euro plugs aren't easily available nowadays as they are not permitted. Besides, a molded plug looks nicer.
  • lips2k11lips2k11
    edited July 2012
    ahh I see... well in that case the only thing I will say is to make sure the cord is clamped down properly in the psu and that you tin the ends of the wire well before soldering to the psu.
  • napoleonblownapartenapoleonblownaparte
    edited July 2012
    I was going to look into ditching the cord altogether and fitting a socket so normal 'kettle leads' could be used on a +2/+3 PSU.
  • protekprotek
    edited July 2012
    Other possibility that I've been thinking but will reserve for the future is adding a dual pole switch between the mains cord and the terminal, similar to Amiga PSU. In the UK it is understandable to leave the switch out as mains sockets have switches but the Euro mains sockets are missing those.
  • lips2k11lips2k11
    edited July 2012
    actually you might be on to something... I have in the past powered a +2A from a amiga 500 Psu as it has all the same voltages as the Spectrum +2A, +3 might be worth converting one for your Spectrum.
  • guesserguesser
    edited July 2012
    You could cut the cable off a foot or so from the PSU and fit a Male in-line IEC connector. Then it's auto-magically multi standard and you don't have to worry about anchoring the cable inside etc.
    My rubbish website including the redrawn Amstrad schematics and the Sinclair Wiki.
  • orangeorange
    edited July 2012
    protek wrote: »
    @lips2k11:
    The current UK plug isn't molded so that's not the problem. Thing is that separate Euro plugs aren't easily available nowadays as they are not permitted. Besides, a molded plug looks nicer.

    well, shops here are full of them. there is ebay and such sites..
    but what's the problem with using adapter? it keeps your original PSU intact, and that matters with old, 'collectable' computers.
  • protekprotek
    edited July 2012
    No problem with an adapter. Just nice to have. I wonder if I could use the sleeve from the original cord that is in the pass-through of the case?
  • The_BertThe_Bert
    edited August 2012
    protek wrote: »
    No problem with an adapter. Just nice to have. I wonder if I could use the sleeve from the original cord that is in the pass-through of the case?

    I have in the past made some attempts to remove the pass-tru' sleeves from mains leads, but with very little success, i can only remember it coming off ONCE without ruining the plastic insulation of the lead itself.

    Sorry for bearing discouraging news :(
    Author of BertoMenus, soon to become BertoBASIC +3 ;)
    Feel free to help yourself to the Sinclair ZX Spectrum +3 Manual.pdf
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