Mephisto Polgar Module Voltage

[JMark]

Hello, I just bought a Mephisto Exclusive (have not received yet) I also separately purchased a Polgar module (5MHZ) The seller of the module sent the following message to me:

"The Polgar-module needs an internal Voltage between 4,8 and 5,2 Volt, otherwise the CPU of the Polgar can be demaged!! Before using the module you should check the internal voltage of your chessboard. You can do this, by taking off the uppercase from the display-module. Then you set the display-module into the chessboard. Under the display, there are many contacts. Normally you can control the voltage at the 1. and 3. contact from the right side!"


Can anyone expand on this? Also, my board does not include an A/C Adapter. Being that I live in the USA I was told that I can use a Saitek 9V 300MA +Center (from a Master Chess, Centurion, Etc.) Is this accurate? I don't want to damage any of my new components. Thank you!

[Larry]

Hello, I just bought a Mephisto Exclusive (have not received yet) I also separately purchased a Polgar module (5MHZ) The seller of the module sent the following message to me:

"The Polgar-module needs an internal Voltage between 4,8 and 5,2 Volt, otherwise the CPU of the Polgar can be demaged!! Before using the module you should check the internal voltage of your chessboard. You can do this, by taking off the uppercase from the display-module. Then you set the display-module into the chessboard. Under the display, there are many contacts. Normally you can control the voltage at the 1. and 3. contact from the right side!"


Can anyone expand on this? Also, my board does not include an A/C Adapter. Being that I live in the USA I was told that I can use a Saitek 9V 300MA +Center (from a Master Chess, Centurion, Etc.) Is this accurate? I don't want to damage any of my new components. Thank you!

Hi, I don't think any of us here on this forum are technicians. I can
confirm however that the Polgar module uses the '6502' processor, which
runs on 5 volts. All processors are fussy about the voltage they receive,
not just the Polgar module processors. This is what the job of the
voltage regulator is , to drop the adaptor voltage to exactly 5 volts DC.
My advice is to use regulated adaptors only for your chess computers,
except where the manufacturer provides original factory made adaptors.
To check for sure if an adaptor is regulated or not, you will need a
voltage meter. They are not too expensive, and if you are into chess
computers for the long haul you will not regret the cost. You will quickly
figure out how to use it, and it will put your mind at ease knowing that
the stated output of the adaptor matches the reading on the volt meter.
For the voltage regulator to do it's job properly it needs a load, ie, a
voltage slightly higher than it's intended output. Not too much voltage,
and not too little. We don't trust the power company to deliver a steady
voltage, there may be power surges which would toast the circuit
board were it not for the regulator. Incidentally, if there is an electrical
storm in your neighbourhood and you are not using a power board with
a cut-out switch, it's a good idea to turn your chess computer off if it's
being powered through an adaptor, otherwise you may suddenly have
a very expensive manual chess set.
I can tell you that I've got a Mephisto modular board with Polgar
5mhz modules, and I played a game just last night with a non original
regulated power adaptor. All went well.
Summing up, there is no need for paranoia when it comes to adaptors,
just be sure the voltage is not too high. The guy selling you the modules
is just a bit worried you will cook the modules and then ask for a refund.
all the best,
Larry

[JMark]

Hi Larry. I understand now. I'm glad that he brought this to my attention. Thanks for clarifying. John

[chesspcmac]

Im confused, Schachcomputer recommends the Polgar to use the HGN5001 which has 8v/250ma. So should we use and adapter of 5 v or 8 volts.



electric regards

Mike

[Larry]

Im confused, Schachcomputer recommends the Polgar to use the HGN5001 which has 8v/250ma. So should we use and adapter of 5 v or 8 volts.



electric regards

Mike

Use the 8volt as recommended.
The voltage regulator has the job of dropping the voltage back. Donkeys
go best loaded, as the saying goes. The regulator irons out voltage spikes.
L