2 prong powered Vic power switch

[telengard]

Hi everyone!

Just picked up a "new" Vic-20 w/ the 2 prong style power which is in much better condition than my current one (no yellowing yay!), but the power rocker switch is *extremely* hard to push when turning on. I'm afraid I'm going to break it. Does it eventually break in (in a good way hehe) or maybe could I replace it with a different one?

Just don't want to break something.

[English Invader]

I find that the two-prong switch loosens up with use. When you first set-up the VIC after a few months in storage, it needs a push but if you use it regularly over a period of time it will go on and off with relative ease.

I like the original VIC because IMO the sound and video quality is better than the later model. The other benefit is that the two-prong PSU doesn't have the over-voltage issues that come with the C64 PSU.

[telengard]

Yes, I'm considering building a circuit to handle that over-voltage scenario for my C64. Glad to hear it will loosen up. So odd that there is *so* much resistance in one direction and barely any in the other.

[Mayhem]

Yeah, I have a two prong, and the power switch is always a bit stiff the first time I flick it when using. As EI says, it loosens up after that.

[orion70]

I like the original VIC because IMO the sound and video quality is better than the later model.

I knew the early VIC had a better PSU, but didn't know about different audio/video performace. Is there a reason for this? Better components in the motherboard? Circuitry is complex compared to later CR models, maybe this is a plus? Thanks, I don't know much about electronics...

[Barney]

The earlier models may have better video, but the inside of the vic gets hot as hell. The cartridge port gets so hot, I'm afraid it might melt my Megacart.

[ral-clan]

The earlier models may have better video, but the inside of the vic gets hot as hell. The cartridge port gets so hot, I'm afraid it might melt my Megacart.

That's strange. Mine doesn't get that hot. Is there something blocking the vent holes at the front bottom or top rear of the VIC? If you're really worried about the internal heat then you should definitely remove the RF cover over the VIC chip and install a heat sink on that chip (Eslapion used to sell some, he might still have more).

[Questarian]

I have a early VIC with switch problems too... Haven't seen any suggestions so I guess I'll have to crack it open, spec it out and look for a close equivalent.

-John-

[rhurst]

Yes, it will definitely feel like it's going to break. I strongly recommend that you leave it in the ON position, and just use a power strip with a master off button. I found with one of mine that when it warms up a bit, the power button loosens up and the on / off works well in both directions.

[Questarian]

My VIC's on the opposite side of the problem - switch is really loose. Once I get the calipers out and measure the old switch and slot I'm pretty sure I can find another rocker or slide that'll fit in the cut out... won't be an exact match, but it'll fit. As this is my "work" VIC, I don't mind modding it a bit.

-John-