Star Wars Switcher?

copious

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Is there any reason that we don't see anyone "hacking" the Atari Star Wars AR-2 (+5, +12 and -5) for use with a switcher? Seems like it would add reliablity.
 
Yea. For one, there's no -12 for the vector output section. Then, you'd have to add an audio amp if you eliminate the AR board. Its easier to just rebuild the original supply.
 
I guess if all you want to do is replace the 5v supply it would be ok. But still...there's not much to repairing the AR board. I see it as a step sideways.
 
According to the SW troubleshooting guide the AVG board has

+ 5 V
+ 12 V
+ 5 V EAROM (there is a separate + 5 V for the nonvolatile RAM)
+ 10.3 V unregulated.

Assuming I only use the AR-2 for the audio amp the switcher should reduce the points of failure.

The switcher should reduce the problems cause with fluctuating power that is common in linear power supplies

A good example of this is both 720 and Paperboy, in 720 the entire conversion was completed while Paperboy relied on both a switching PS and linear PS.
 
I would put a rebuilt AR-2 board up against a POS Chinese made switcher any day. Not sure why you think a switcher would add reliability.

+1. Rebuild the entire power line years ago, never had a single problem with my SW cockpit.
This included several days of almost constant playing.

Not everything new(er) is automatically better..and there's also something to say for keeping as original as possible.
 
I've got rebuilt ARs in all my Atari games! Have had them in there for years without one issue.. Also been rebuilding them for collectors for the last 3-4 years, not one complaint or failure (that's been reported).

So yeah, just rebuild your ARII-rev2 or have someone do it for you!
 
Yeah I've always just rebuilt ARII boards for my games too. I'll be doing one for my Star Wars...hopefully this weekend. :)
 
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