Acorn Atom DC Connector

[JannievanZyl]

Hi,

Gave an Atom to a friend last night with my only PSU, thinking it'll be easy to quickly make a new PSU. Just need the barrel DC connector......

After 3 hours trying every DC barrel connector I could find in my workshop, not a single one actually fit the Atom so I'll need to go and buy one.

Can anybody help me with the exact dimensions of the connector that fit the socket on the Atom motherboard?

Outside and inside diameter, please?

[1024MAK]

I'm not sure it would help. Modern mini low voltage power connectors are either 2.1mm inside diameter or 2.5mm inside diameter, both having an outside diameter of 5.5mm. Whereas the connector used on the Atom appears to be slightly different.

Have you tried the selection of power tips you get with a multi-way/multi-voltage cable / power adaptor?

It may be easier to buy a new PCB connector and fit that to solid core wires soldered to the Atom PCB (as there is about zero chance that you will find a connector with the exact same position and size pins). Or use a case mounted power connector...

I would measure mine, but I appear to have temporally misplaced my digital callipers Oh and mine may not be an original.

Mark

[DutchAcorn]

It's an uncommon connector, but this one should fit: https://www.maplin.co.uk/p/maplin-25-x-50mm-dc-power-plug-l49ay

[sirmorris]

You need a longer tip, the maplin plug is too short for a solid connection

[CMcDougall]

It's an old imperial socket, so hens teeth to find correct plug.

Just solder straight to board like I did, using a flying lead out back to a normal socket

Then use any 5v USB charger plug for mobile phones /tablets, IF been converted to use 5v not original 8v

EDIT: now with easy pic:

[oss003]

This one is 2,5 x 5 mm with a shaft length of 14 mm: http://www.conrad.com/ce/en/product/530 ... archDetail

Greetings
Kees

[JannievanZyl]

Thanks for all the replies!

I'm going to try and get the correct connector to keep the machine as original as possible.

If not, I'm going to mount a tiny switching DC to DC supply inside the case and bypass the 2 x 7805s. That way I can stick any external PSU into it and the heat problem is also solved.

[DutchAcorn]

The Atom takes 5V regulated if you bypass the 7805's (which is a good idea in any case). 5V PSU's are not hard to come by. For a fully expanded Atom 3A capacity is advised (see the Atom Technical Manual). It does not solve the thing with the plug though.

I linked to Maplin part because jonb apparently used it.

I use the Conrad plug myself and can confirm it fits well. Actually I should have a spare lying around somewhere so if you can't order it from South Africa please send me a PM.

[JannievanZyl]

Thanks!

Might take you up on the offer!

[JannievanZyl]

The Atom takes 5V regulated if you bypass the 7805's (which is a good idea in any case). 5V PSU's are not hard to come by. For a fully expanded Atom 3A capacity is advised (see the Atom Technical Manual). It does not solve the thing with the plug though.

I linked to Maplin part because jonb apparently used it.

I use the Conrad plug myself and can confirm it fits well. Actually I should have a spare lying around somewhere so if you can't order it from South Africa please send me a PM.

Thanks Paul, might take you up on that.

I just checked. Can order from Conner at 1.89 Euros. But shipping to South Africa is 55 Euros!!

[roland]

In that case one of us can buy it for you and ship it to South Africa for about €2.66

[JannievanZyl]

Thanks guys,

Trying to see if I can get a friend in the UK to buy for me and bring back.

If not successful, I'll - for sure - push on your button!

[daveejhitchins]

Darn . . . I have relatives that went over to Cape Town a week ago

Dave H