DC-DC Converters - Sources?

Aquador · Post by **Aquador** » Mon Mar 06, 2006 7:41 pm

Where can I get a dc-dc converter for my N64p? Are there any stores/businesses other than on-line?

Post by **marshallh** » Mon Mar 06, 2006 7:42 pm

You can get a free sample from TI, check the FREE DC-DC CONVERTERS thread. All you need is an address to ship to, not even a credit card.

Aquador · Post by **Aquador** » Mon Mar 06, 2006 7:53 pm

Are there any stores where I could buy one at? Like best buy?

Post by **marshallh** » Mon Mar 06, 2006 7:55 pm

Nope, there is however the Sony converter, model DCC-E345 but I used it and it sucked, plainly. It doesn't output a very clean signal and it's at the very low threshold of the N64's 3.3v limit, so there is video interference. I don't recommend it.

Aquador · Post by **Aquador** » Tue Mar 07, 2006 5:37 pm

I cant use the one you gave me in that link because my battery is a 7.2v, and that thing needs 9v. Your sure there arent any stores that might carry it?

Post by **Skyone** » Tue Mar 07, 2006 5:40 pm

Just go with the TI, it's free, I mean, cmon.

Dr.Weasel · Post by **Dr.Weasel** » Tue Mar 07, 2006 11:35 pm

It doesnt need 9V. Through testing "on this site" it works fine at 7.2.
-Hayden

Aquador · Post by **Aquador** » Wed Mar 08, 2006 10:59 am

note that it requires at least 9v on the input side. (and is most efficient at that vvoltage too). if you cant make a 10 volt battery pack, then look for another product. they probably have it. they just might not offer free samples for it.

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Which one should I get then for a 7.2v battery? Better yet, could someone link me to where I get the free sample for a 7.2v battery?

Post by **marshallh** » Wed Mar 08, 2006 11:12 am

Listen to me, I ran my N64 off of the TI converter at 7.2v. This is because the DC-DC converter is OVER-ENGINEERED!

I can't be more blunt than that. If you won't believe me then I'm afraid I can't help you there.

XFactor · Post by **XFactor** » Wed Mar 08, 2006 3:23 pm

Marshall, i got this converter today in the mail from TI:
http://focus.ti.com/docs/prod/folders/p ... 65131.html

I plan to use a 7.4v battery with it. Would this work?

Also, if it would work, does this converter bump the voltage down to 3.3v or does it boost it to 12v?

Post by **marshallh** » Wed Mar 08, 2006 3:28 pm

Looking at the datasheet, you're going to need a bunch of extra parts to use that (not to mention soldering to the tiny SMT package.)

The one that I (and some other people) are using is here.
https://www-a.ti.com/apps/samp/xt_order ... PT78HT233H
It's dead simple to use.

Neildo_64 · Post by **Neildo_64** » Wed Mar 08, 2006 4:51 pm

Yeah, the free TI converters are very nice for first-timers or anyone else. Im not sure if they are extremely efficient under load, but they work well.

Also, they are so easy to hook up and use. All you do is connect an input line (from your battery. 7.4V would work) connect a ground (goes back to the ground of the battery) and an output line (outputs 3.3V from the converter). 3 wires and its all hooked up and ready to go.

Edit: Sorry! forgot about the capacitor again...You also need a 100uF electrolytic capacitor on the output of the converter

G-force · Post by **G-force** » Wed Mar 08, 2006 5:22 pm

Neildo_64 wrote:Yeah, the free TI converters are very nice for first-timers or anyone else. Im not sure if they are extremely efficient under load, but they work well.

Also, they are so easy to hook up and use. All you do is connect an input line (from your battery. 7.4V would work) connect a ground (goes back to the ground of the battery) and an output line (outputs 3.3V from the converter). 3 wires and its all hooked up and ready to go.

And an electolytic 100 uf capacitor on the output. You need that! And make sure your battery ground is connected to the N64 ground.

Aquador · Post by **Aquador** » Wed Mar 08, 2006 5:27 pm

marshallh wrote:Listen to me, I ran my N64 off of the TI converter at 7.2v. This is because the DC-DC converter is OVER-ENGINEERED!

I can't be more blunt than that. If you won't believe me then I'm afraid I can't help you there.

no...Im asking which model I should get for the 7.2v...theres like 5 different models.

G-force · Post by **G-force** » Wed Mar 08, 2006 5:38 pm

Are you talking about the different packages you choose from? They're all basically the same, only some have small tabs, others don't. They all do the same thing. I got the surface mount part# PT78HT233V