How to Build your own Arcade Monitor test bench isolation transformer power supply 📺 ⚡️

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Lots of folks have been asking Charlie about the isolation transformer power supply seen in several of his recent arcade monitor repair videos. It's a great tool for safely powering a CRT monitor on your work bench without having to drag over an entire arcade cabinet to use the isolation transformer. And the best thing about it is, YOU CAN BUILD ONE YOURSELF! This video will show you how.
Episode #48
Find me on the KLOV forums as CharlieG: forums.arcade-...
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Special Thanks to:
The Real Bob Roberts - Basic AC Wiring Map www.therealbobr...
‪@Lakeside-Arcade‬ lakeside-arcad... lilypad19's monitor power supply design: forums.arcade-...
Liam (aka 64B1T) from ‪@retrobotics‬
Tools & parts used in this video (contains affiliate links)...
Power Supply bill of materials:
1x Junction Box with Transparent Cover (7x5x3 inches) amzn.to/43D9hle
1x Panel Mount IEC Power Socket with EMI Filter amzn.to/3Nbb9vz
1x IEC Power Cord www.arcadepart...
1x Panel Mount Illuminated AC Rocker Switch amzn.to/3KaKM8b
1x Panel Mount Screw Cap Fuse Holder amzn.to/3K5hJCT
1x 3A 250V Slow Blow 3AG Fuse www.arcadepart...
1x 120V Isolation Transformer www.arcadepart...
2x M5 Ring Terminal amzn.to/3rL3nBl
5ft per color 18 AWG Insulated Wire in Black/White/Green amzn.to/3Y2q3Ju
3x Molex .084" Female Pins www.arcadepart...
3x Molex .084" Male Pins www.arcadepart...
1x Molex .084" 3-Pin Female Connector Receptacle www.arcadepart...
1x Molex .084" 3-Pin Male Connector Plug www.arcadepart...
2x Molex .093" Female Pins www.arcadepart...
1x Molex .093" 2-Pin Male Connector Plug www.arcadepart...
1x Alligator Clip amzn.to/3Y38IA6
5x 10-32 keps nuts
3x 1/2 inch 10-32 short bolts
1x 3/4 inch 10-32 long bolt
2x 1/2 inch 6-32 skinny bolts
2x 6-32 nylon insert lock nuts
Tools:
SKIL Rechargeable USB Cordless Screwdriver amzn.to/3ROoqdF
Fluke 117 Digital Multimeter amzn.to/3CKpACT
Fluke AC175 Alligator Clips for Multimeter Test Leads amzn.to/3XcRhMi
Hakko FX888D Soldering Station amzn.to/3RPzKWS
Kester 44 Rosin Core Leaded Solder amzn.to/3EvTY5i
Hakko 611 Solder Reel Stand amzn.to/3TwdBhw
Bertech Soldering Workstation Mat amzn.to/44VlvHb
Hakko CHP-170 Micro Cutters amzn.to/3TLxP7t
Klein Tools 11061 Automatic Wire Stripper amzn.to/3MBPD2q
Iwiss SN-2549 Ratcheting Crimping Tool amzn.to/3D6XqlM
Gardner Bender Multi-Tool Electrical Wire Stripper amzn.to/3CSEFlA
Pro'sKit 900-015 Helping Hands amzn.to/3T5A4Cq
RYOBI ONE+ 18V Cordless 1/2 in. Drill/Driver amzn.to/3VFgehQ
NEIKO Step Drill Bit Set and Center Punch amzn.to/3O2bvFm
RYOBI Drill Bit Set amzn.to/3q0Cs45
CraftyMech TPG Test Pattern Generator www.mikesarcad...
CraftyMech TPG Cables with Standard & Nintendo monitor adapters www.mikesarcad...
Theme Music Credit: "Synthwave 80s" by AlexiAction (used with permission under the Pixabay License) pixabay.com/mu...
Additional Music Credit: "Tape Deck" by Endless Love (used with permission under the KZbin Audio Library License) • Tape Deck
#arcades #restoration #arcaderestoration #retrogaming #arcadegames #arcadecabinet #classicgaming #crt

[@highandmightykayz]

So glad that I stumbled on this channel. It's exactly the kind of content that I enjoy watching!

[@delsarcade]

It's a great channel!

[@overtimearcade]

Thanks for watching!

[@overtimearcade]

Aww shucks, Del! 😊

[@carlosfields9937]

When you were saying neutral but it was really ground through me off. But I figured it out. Thanks for sharing

[@overtimearcade]

Thanks -- good thing Professor Pac-Man was there to catch my mistakes!

[@Lakeside-Arcade]

Nice work Charlie :) I like your design - good looking case! Lots of work to make a video like this and supply all the details - well done sir.

[@overtimearcade]

Thanks, Bob -- I got ideas for several of the specific parts options from your post, especially the power socket and fuse holder!

[@bperkins]

@@overtimearcade I like it :) - mine was evolutionary from guys who screwed a transformer to a hunk of wood.. Nice to be able to store them when not in use!

[@Arcadenut1]

Another important factor you need to take into consideration is the current the ISO can handle. Yours is rated at 100VA = 1A @ 120V. Most older 19" arcade monitors will typically take 1A. You're at 100% capacity at that point. It will work, but it will probably run hotter than it needs to and could shorten the life of the transformer. Larger monitors might take more than 1A, you'll need to check the manual to be sure.

[@overtimearcade]

Good point -- you probably don't want to rely on this for extended use! The largest monitors I tend to work on are 25" K7000s, and per the monitor it seems they won't take more than 1A. But yet, a quick check at some manuals for 27" and larger monitors indicates they can draw over 1A. 👍

[@rooskiwolf1653]

My K7000 doesn't have that same molex connector that you have. Mine is a rectangle with one end flat, the other pointed. 3 pin. Do you know what that connector is called?@@overtimearcade

[@overtimearcade]

Are you sure it’s a K7000 (2-pin power connector) and not a K7400 (3-pin power connector)?

[@rickesau1065]

Awesome instructional video! Thanks for making it. Love the channel, keep up the great videos.

[@overtimearcade]

Thanks, will do -- glad you enjoyed it!

[@garyrose7962]

just got one of your shirts delivered and they are fracking sweet

[@overtimearcade]

Oh nice! Thanks for your support, Gary! Would you maybe be able to send me a photo of how it turned out? I'm still waiting for mine to be delivered. My email is on the channel About page.

[@pinfixin3526]

The term you are looking for to drill a rectangular hole is a "Squircle". Mine looks like crap and had to silicon it. LOL Very handy though.

[@overtimearcade]

Sounds like a Pokemon!

[@pipesfranco]

Hey buddy, awesome tutorial.....I followed the tutorial ...everything has continuity and there is 120volts AC coming in to the IEC Power Socket but the output from the transformer is only 3volts....i am guessing this indicates a bad transformer? As I mentioned I checked continuity all the way to end of the cable you made. thanks buddy any help is appreciated :)

[@overtimearcade]

Oh wow, can you measure the AC voltage at the input lugs of the transformer? If you’ve got 120V on the input side and only 3v on the output side, it’s possible the transformer is a dud (assuming everything else is good).

[@pipesfranco]

@@overtimearcade lol the wire into the Molex pins wasn't making good contact..all good now :) school boy error lol

[@overtimearcade]

Easy fixes are the best… and the worst! 😂

[@willaimkazer9754]

ISOT for a name. Typically, you want to double amperage on any PSU component to run cooler and extend life. This is OK for testing, not continuous use. I asume that 120100VA means 120 volt 1 amp. Also, might want to fuse output too. So 3 amp line and 1 amp fast blow output to prevent damage to anything. Unit is good to test monitors. I would rev. 2 a output fuse.

[@overtimearcade]

Thanks, always looking to improve the design! APAR sells this isolation transformer for general purpose arcade monitor use. Are you saying it’s not suitable for continuous use?

[@dsnein]

Its better to get a transformer with multiple voltage taps to future-proof yourself for working on equipment designed for alternate wall voltages, such as japanese imports.

[@splugereport]

Any idea where to get a 120 and 100v dual output transformer?

[@delsarcade]

They are usually a lot bigger though and won't fit in the project box.

[@phils_arcade]

That's what you need here in the U.K. We run 240V so need a 240V, 120V, and 100V multitap transformer. Yes they are larger and heavier, but will do a great job. Back of panel box could have several common connectors for monitors

[@dsnein]

Good feedback here. I don't consider a project box to be necessary with everything nice and crimped and labelled and fused and so on. My setup is on a flat plank of wood with handles and rubber feet and nothing hot near those non-conductive handles. It's still extremely portable and it opens a lot more doors. I also end in a screw terminal strip and then change out adapters I made for different power plug types. Ending in a terminal strip also makes a good place for alligator clips. Haven't had any voltage drop issues and I can power anything quickly to see if its even worth my time on making a new adapter. I also get a nice spot for voltage test points.

[@delsarcade]

@@dsnein But Charlie has young kids that could get hurt if they get their hands in there. So I think the box minimizes this.

[@waynegram8907]

Why do arcade monitors need an isolation transformer? I'm not sure why the arcade monitor designers made the chassis HOT rather than earth ground any reasons why they made the chassis live HOT with high voltage?

[@russellpenner2523]

I will be blaming Charlie if Arcade Parts and Repair doesn’t have the isolation transformer when I go to purchase these parts this week.

[@overtimearcade]

Peter currently has 388 in stock! www.arcadepartsandrepair.com/store/cabinet-parts/power-supplies/monitor-isolation-transformer-120v-output/

[@russellpenner2523]

@@overtimearcade Already placed the orders. Thank you for everything you do!

[@overtimearcade]

UPDATE: only 387 left in stock!! 😅

[@russellpenner2523]

@@overtimearcade 🤣

[@bryanhosford8029]

Anything Special for a Sanyo 100v setup other than a 100v transformer and connector?

[@overtimearcade]

Yes, it should be the same other than the 100v iso and a different power connector. I’ve bought the parts to assemble a Nintendo version for myself, just haven’t gotten around to it. Let me know how it works out for you!

[@bryanhosford8029]

put one together today, but i'm not getting 100v out of the transformer @@overtimearcade

[@overtimearcade]

@bryanhosford8029 Are you getting any output voltage from the isolation transformer? If not, start with the power cord, and trace the voltage through the circuit until it stops.

[@bryanhosford8029]

Getting 123v got a feeling that the transformer sent was mislabeled@@overtimearcade

[@overtimearcade]

Interesting! What's the input voltage going into the iso?

[@tigheklory]

I'm putting this comment here for everyone who makes or made one of these. Do not ground the transformer to ground or the monitor. Doing so on the bench increases your risk of shock.

[@DaveRepairs]

Ok thank u - but have u explained why we use ISO Transformers? is for safety and hot chassis, i would consider using Gnd carefully on two pin input chassis kzbin.info/www/bejne/aaPZdpd-rqaXaM0

[@delsarcade]

If you plug an arcade monitor into a standard 120v source it will blow up things on the chassis. Some model monitors have built in circuitry that allow it to run without an ISO, but generally speaking, common arcade monitors such as, k7000, k4800/4900, G07, k4600 etc require an external ISO.

[@overtimearcade]

Thanks! And I do think it's important for the chassis to be grounded on the test bench -- it'll probably work fine without it, but if something goes wrong and an improper charge gets built up, your hand might provide a discharge path to ground!