PS1 Power supply disable always on, "switch" mod ?

[r4dius]

Hi,
I just modded my japanese 5500 ps1 and begin to read about the "always" on / hot power supply,
I'd like to keep using an original psu but mod it so there's no power at all when it's off,
all I can think of is cutting the "input" voltage trace,
bridge the connection that is linked by the power button,
and use the power button to connect the "input" power, maybe the button needs to be changed to support 220v (I'm using a pal power supply), I'd need to check that.
Would you guys know if there's something like this already or any idea about this ?
Thanks

 

[MottZilla]

I'd be very careful about modifying anything with the power supply. Mistakes could be very bad. The power button/switch may not be rated for that voltage level. You would need to be 100% certain that it is. And turning it on and doing a short smoke test may not prove that it is. It could take time before it fails, or it could fail quickly.

Why not consider an easier solution like this? https://www.amazon.com/GE-Grounded-Switch-Efficient-25511/dp/B0113VTPSW

Another thought is did you measure the current draw of the console when it's "off" to see how much if any power is flowing? It probably isn't significant. Even when a PS1 is running it has pretty negligible power draw. My PSOne I measured drawing a maximum of 8 watts. Granted that is the most power efficient model, I think the rating on the bottom of the SCPH-1001 to 7501 says 17 watts. But that sticker denotes the maximum and in practice the actual current draw is lower. And if any models are drawing power while "off" that draw is going to be a fraction of what is drawn when on.

Personally I use power strips with my consoles that I turn off when not in use. And when there is an extended period of non-use I'll unplug the power strip.

 

[r4dius]

Thanks for the feedback, sure I'd make sure the button rating and change it if needed (would need something that keeps the same functionnality with the shell),
btw my main reason would be because I suppose the psu being always loaded it would reduce its lifetime for no reason,
I may have a look at your power strip alternative in the end but I think I'll try at least one mod as I have some ps1 spares

 

[MottZilla]

With the system off the 'load' would be minimal. If you have access to equipment to measure the actual power draw of devices I would recommend using it to see what the real situation is with power draw. Also where did you find this information about being "always on"? And did this information single out a specific model?

I understand wanting to get the longest lifespan out of your console. However the power supply is probably the easiest part to get replacement parts for. The power components until custom ICs are much easier to obtain. And worse case the power supply could be replaced by an entirely new one.

But if it sounds fun and interesting as a project then that's all the reason you need to look into it.