PicoRC
USB-C Power Adaptor for BBC Micro
| Purchase Link | Official Discord | Table of Contents |
This adaptor lets you power your BBC Micro via USB-C.
It replaces the original PSU, and uses common USB chargers instead.
Highlights
- Non-destructive and reversible
- Use USB charger or power bank
- Low cost, efficient and reliable.
Get One / Other Stuff
Also available for Mac 128K, SE, Apple II/IIGS, Osborne 1, Apricot PC, BBC Micro, and more.
For more general-purpose diagnostics and retrofitting, check out the full-fat ATX4VC.
Table of Contents
Kit Assembly
Parts
Observe the parts:
Soldering Notes
Nothing too tricky in this kit, all basic through-hole parts.
If this is your first time:
- Ensure your soldering iron has proper temperature control
- Try your local makerspace or university lab
- Use leaded solder and plenty of flux
- Temperature around 350C / 660F.
- This video covers the basics pretty well
Assembly
Insert the terminal blades and soldering them in place.
Make sure they are straight!
Push the power switch into the blanking plate as shown.
Offer up the switch assembly.
Make sure the switch sits flat. Adjust the two PCB so they are at right angle.
Once happy, solder the switch in place.
That’s pretty much it!
Cleaning
This is optional, but I like to clean off the flux with 90%+ isopropyl alcohol.
Submerge and scrub with a toothbrush.
Make sure it is completely dry before proceeding.
Inspection
- Compare with the reference photos below.
- Solder joints should be shiny and smooth.
- There must be no solder bridges.
- If any, add flux and melt to remove.
Pre-flight Checks
Use a multimeter to check for dead shorts between each rail and GND.
If all good, plug in a USB cable, turn on, and check the voltages.
Installation
Push the cables into the terminal blades.
- Red is 5V
- Black is GND
- Blue is -5V
- Place the Beeb on a soft towel
- Remove the screws shown
- Flip over
- Remove two more screws
- Remove the top cover
- Loosen the two nuts to free up the keyboard
- Unplug 7 blade connectors on the motherboard
- Grab the neck, wiggle straight up.
- DO NOT pull on the cable itself!
- Remove the power supply
- Insert screw from the bottom
- Then washers, and the standoff.
- Tighten with a 5mm socket
- Install the adaptor
- Secure with screw
Connect the other end to the motherboard as shown
- VCC: Red
- 0V: Black
- -5V: Blue
Feel free to turn on and try it out!
- The USB power source should provide at least 3A current
- Make sure the USB-C cable is high quality
- Otherwise instabilities might occur
If it works, tuck the wires neatly and reassemble. Enjoy!
Questions or Comments?
Feel free to ask in official Discord Chatroom, raise a Github issue, or email dekunukem gmail.com!