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Building a replacement MTX PSU
Posted: 30 Jun 2013 16:07
by 1024MAK
Hi all
Here are some preview pictures of the development and construction of a replacement mains PSU for MTX computers

- New MTX PSU Sneakpic01.JPG (41.45 KiB) Viewed 61001 times

- New MTX PSU Sneakpic02.JPG (27.23 KiB) Viewed 61001 times

- New MTX PSU Sneakpic03.JPG (38.2 KiB) Viewed 61001 times
Edited to add:
- The schematic is here
- A UK parts list (BOM) is here
- A USA parts list (BOM) is here
The USA version uses a different transformer, so has a 2A mains fuse. Apart from that, it is essentially the same.
My thanks to forum member Wyerd for the USA BOM
Mark
Re: Building a replacement MTX PSU - Sneak Preview
Posted: 30 Jun 2013 18:52
by Dave
Hi Mark,
is the switch sat next to a cut-out in a case you are thinking about?
And why the "coils" in the LED and resistor leads? - Just to get a grip of for testing, or do they serve a porpose?
regards
Dave
Re: Building a replacement MTX PSU - Sneak Preview
Posted: 02 Jul 2013 01:55
by 1024MAK
Dave wrote:is the switch sat next to a cut-out in a case you are thinking about?
Yep, the cut-out was made for the switch
Dave wrote:And why the "coils" in the LED and resistor leads? - Just to get a grip of for testing, or do they serve a purpose?
Makes the connection more robust and easier to solder
More pictures and hopefully some test results soon
Mark
EDIT 2013-11-11:- I now have some more parts that have arrived today. So hopefully this weekend I may find some spare time to (1) post some more details and (2) finish the testing ready for the final part of the build. But don't hold your breath

Re: Building a replacement MTX PSU - Sneak Preview
Posted: 11 Nov 2013 20:17
by Crazyboss
Hi Mark.
Look forward to see the final product
Hopefully ist a bit more powerfull than the original MTX one
Actually I didn turn my MTX (the one with Jims donated board), since a few days after the meeting in Jims house.
I think its a powersupply issue, sometimes it work good and sometimes not.
Not fun to play with the MTX when the colours are gone, only black white or gray (usely cause lack of power).
Re: Building a replacement MTX PSU - Sneak Preview
Posted: 11 Nov 2013 20:30
by Martin A
I have display issues with both of mine, if the RS232 is fitted, but without it they're both fine.
I suspect it's lack of juice on the 12v line.
However, I've only got the one PSU to share between the 2 systems, so I'm another user watching this with interest.
Re: Building a replacement MTX PSU - Sneak Preview
Posted: 11 Nov 2013 23:23
by Crazyboss
Martin A.
I had this problem too, sometimes there is a fuse inside the PSU itself, but not always. The problem its hard to open the PSU without damage the psu-case. But in my case, i replaced the fuse cause it was blown, and then it worked.
Re: Building a replacement MTX PSU - Sneak Preview
Posted: 11 Nov 2013 23:53
by Dave
Hi Claus,
that's interesting. The PSUs sold in the UK do not have fuses - but in the UK, mains plugs are fused (although I wonder how many have actually got appropriately sized fuses in, rather than the ubiquitous 13A).
I wonder if the fuse was an end-user mod, or something that Memotech did for products sold outside the UK
regards
Dave
Re: Building a replacement MTX PSU - Sneak Preview
Posted: 12 Nov 2013 00:02
by 1024MAK
If anyone wants a 13A fuse to blow themselves up with, I have zillions of the dammed things (from the days that UK 13A plugs only came with a 13A use, even though a large number of appliances were suppose to have a 3A or 5A fuse fitted in the plug...)
Mark
Re: Building a replacement MTX PSU - Sneak Preview
Posted: 12 Nov 2013 00:40
by Dave
Thanks for the offer Mark,
unfortunately, I found that the 13A fuse in my washing machine was too small.
However, I was able to cure the problem by going to the next size up

Re: Building a replacement MTX PSU - Sneak Preview
Posted: 12 Nov 2013 00:50
by Dave