Another problem! Nothing is ever simple around here, is it? This time it’s my Sega TeraDrive Model 3, which has developed a power-supply fault. The machine still has its internal hard drive and floppy drive, but something is going wrong when I try to start it.

One of the useful things about having more than one TeraDrive is that I can compare parts between them. When I first started collecting old hardware, I thought having two of everything would be a good idea, like Noah’s Ark. Turns out that’s not such a bad approach when the equipment is old enough for things to start failing.

The symptom here is an awful buzzing noise from the TeraDrive’s internal speaker, followed by the machine failing to start properly. I don’t like hearing that sort of thing from an old computer, especially when the power supply is involved. I was rather quick to switch it off rather than risk damaging anything else.

The current (ha!) power supply is my prime suspect, but at this stage I haven’t identified the actual faulty component. The connections aren’t quite like those of a standard AT power supply, and I need to establish the correct voltages before drawing too many conclusions. Guessing based on wire colours probably isn’t going to end particularly well.

The other TeraDrive gives me a useful comparison, although I’d prefer not to start swapping unknown or faulty power supplies between machines without first checking compatibility. I really don’t want to turn one broken TeraDrive into two broken TeraDrives.

Another thing I’d love to address eventually is the mains-voltage arrangement. Having to use a step-down transformer every time I want to run the machine is a nuisance, and a proper Australian-mains-compatible solution would make life considerably easier. Whether I can adapt the original supply or need something different remains to be seen.

For now, the next job is to investigate the faulty power supply and work out why it behaves so badly under load. With any luck the problem will turn out to be something replaceable, rather than a more difficult component buried inside the supply. If we fail, well… let’s not think about that!

Mains-voltage warning: Power supplies can retain dangerous voltages after being disconnected, and internal testing or repairs require appropriate electrical expertise and safety equipment.

You might also have noticed the “Store” in the menu bar if you visit often enough. I’m working on selling a few different modchips and other bits and pieces, just locally for the moment. That’s good news for you Australia!

I’d also like to remind everyone that McRetro Gaming isn’t dead. In fact, here’s a video from it right now! Nothing like some magical ragdoll physics. Thanks Bethesda! :)

Related Posts