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| The perfect accessory for my IIci & LC |
Posted by: olePigeon on 2013-06-08 15:25:15
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-PowerKey-Sophisticated-Circuits-for-Apple-Macintosh-Original-box-/261224549186
My IIci has an ATX power supply, but I couldn't get the keyboard start to work. So this nifty device makes it so I can start any older Mac from the keyboard, including my modified IIci. 🙂
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Posted by: Brooklyn on 2013-06-08 17:18:49
That's cool, I didn't know these existed. Would have been perfect for my old Mac mini SE/30 project.
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Posted by: Trash80toHP_Mini on 2013-06-08 20:11:01
Congrats, very nice snag, comrade.
Those are cool, I used the PowerKey Remote to boot up my systems whenever a call came in on the FAX line when I wasn't at the shop. I think I've seen that lately, but I just laid hands upon the PowerKey Pro. Sophisticated Circuits made great stuff like the PowerPad programmable function key/numeric keypad for PowerBooks, very innovative peripherals company.
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Posted by: LCGuy on 2013-06-08 22:26:42
Ah, yes...the PwerKey. Very neat piece of gear. Though to this day I'm disappointed that they never made a 240V version 🙁
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Posted by: Trash80toHP_Mini on 2013-06-09 08:28:45
8-o 240V peripherals! I never even thought of that!
I guess I'm too used to thinking in terms of two-phase power being restricted to heavy load applications. The only 240V remote control switches I've had were X-10 outlets made to be installed in UL approved electrical boxes. I've used those for dust collectors and air conditioners. It was handy to toggle the shop AC remotely from home or the field by phone with those.
What fuse/breaker ratings do you use for normal household circuits, 5-10A?
No wonder the law requires licensed electricians to do everything down under!
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Posted by: LCGuy on 2013-06-09 09:22:02
Yep, everything runs on good ol' 240VAC here, though our 240VAC is single phase. (unlike yours?) The next step up from household single phase 240VAC is three phase, which IIRC is 400+ VAC. Household circuits generally run 16A fuses for power circuits, and 8A fuses for lights.
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Posted by: Trash80toHP_Mini on 2013-06-09 12:03:04
That's curious, the wikipedia info looks just like some types of American 220/240V outlets with two hot legs of the three-phase distribution network wired to each residential receptacle and an earth ground, but this wiring diagram has me puzzled. I guess I'm being sloppy with terminology, there were two-phase systems. Two of three legs in a three phase grid isn't really the same thing as two-phase I guess, but YOWCH!!!!! 8-o
I take it you don't have any of our ridiculous "single-phase," capacitor start, induction motor silliness down under? Or do you? :?: Is there much call for the use of universal motors there?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File😀ual_3_Pin_Power_Outlet_-_Construction.jpg Odd. I guess maybe you do have capacitor start silliness? :?:
Here in the US, single dwelling units aren't provided with all three legs needed to run three-phase motors, which are the least expensive and most efficient available. So we end up running phase converters, big three-phase alternators run from even larger 220V (two of the three available phases) to run things like big Radial Arm Saws, Table Saws or the big (60HP) milling head an acquaintance is installing. None of the electricians he asked were willing to set up the necessary equipment for running his $100,000.00 milling machine for him, they took one look at that thing and didn't want to take on the responsibility . . . so he's doing it himself.
Folks in industrial spaces routinely have three-phase power as do some multiple dwelling units and mixed light industrial/residential units. One of the previous tenants in my last shop had snagged the third leg from the landlord's basement power to run the three-phase plastic welder he used in his jewelry making business. [}🙂] ]'>
Back on topic:
Now they're calling it the PowerKey Classic! Does anyone want any info about the PowerKey Pro? I'll try to find the PowerKey Remote, the info on it seems to be AWOL . . .
. . . :lol: but who's got a landline and ADB any more anyway!
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Posted by: Charlieman on 2013-06-09 14:24:16
Household circuits generally run 16A fuses for power circuits... This is important to power an electric kettle to make tea.
Here in the US, single dwelling units aren't provided with all three legs needed to run three-phase motors... True here in the UK. A former work colleague, in his youth, acquired a drum memory unit that required three phase. He got it running by taking one phase from different floors in the halls of residence where he lived.
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On the general point about 240V computer hardware availability, it can be a stumbling point. To my knowledge, the Kensington System Saver for the Apple IIgs was only made in a 115V version.
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Posted by: olePigeon on 2013-06-10 08:56:04
Who cares?! They still make an ADB peripheral! That's awesome! 😀
Now to save my pennies up and buy a new one to tuck away for later. 😱)
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Posted by: olePigeon on 2013-06-10 14:38:22
Their purchase page times out, but I sent them an email. They do indeed still sell the PowerKey Classic. Not sure what's up with their website. I didn't think to ask, but wouldn't hurt to email them and see if they have a 240v version. 🙂
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Posted by: olePigeon on 2013-06-11 13:41:02
I emailed them about a 220/240V version.
No, I'm afraid not. We prototyped (and even made tooling for) a 220-240V PowerKey Pro, but meeting and maintaining all the European safety certifications made it not worth putting into production. |
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