power supply question

[computerfixerguy]

Hi guys,

Question about linear vs switching power supplies. I see lots of switching conversion kits for games that originally used linear supplies. I've noticed it seems that (correct me if I'm wrong) that switching power supplies either work or don't. Linears seem much more likely to partially fail and send out erratic voltage on various lines.

Now, I've seen and heard of lots of people repairing their linear supplies. I'm wondering is there any value in maintaining them since they seem to be more likely to damage parts when they fail, especially when you can swap them out for switchers?

Do people just fix them for the enjoyment of fixing them or am I misunderstanding the reliability differences between them?

[iankellogg]

they are original and some people like original. Also switching power supplies.... switch, they make noise and some games do not like that. With that being said I am probably going to go the switching route with everything except pacman ( i just don't feel like messing with mine, it works 100%) if there is noise i will just add a filter.

[John's Arcade]

It really depends on the application...

Some games also have unique voltages that the switching power supplies cannot supply. For instance, Q*Bert and Mad Planets are looking for 27V   or so for the audio amp. I installed a switcher in mine and the audio is now lo-fi and not good cause the switcher is sending 12V for this task. So, I'm gonna rebuild the original and toss the switcher.

Also, on MCR games (Tron, Tapper, etc.) you will get a lot of hum if you use a cheap switcher. You should use one that is rated with a higher amp value.

[STEVESPEEZE]

I heard quantum uses a flux capacitor