how many amps does a jamma board pull?

[agent4125]

Hey all

I'm considering a 6-1 jamma switcher https://www.ebay.com/itm/133384216490

I can see this one says it "Supports up to 20 Amps on 5V supply, much higher than other switchers"

This board only powers one jamma board at a time.

So for jamma boards, are there really boards that use up to 20 amps? I'd be running all 80s boards, maybe one or two early 90s boards. All standard jamma. What's the usual amp pull on these?

Thanks

James

 

[TheDaddy]

Amperage depends on board but normally average of 2 to 3 amps. Again some require more some less. I have never known a board get anywhere near 20 amps and would be concerned if it was.

I only do 80's and very early 90's pcbs so not sure on more demanding later ones, they may need more.

Hope this helps,

Dave.

 

[davey d]

As a general rule a big board with loads of chips (like an old bootleg) will pull more current than a smaller more modern board with fewer chips

 

[agent4125]

Thanks fellas

 

[jonhughes]

I remember this being mentioned before, it's been a while since I did my A level Physics but

Power = Voltage x Current (P=VI).

So A 5V power supply rated at 15A is capable of delivering 75W and 20A supply will deliver 100W etc since the voltage is being stepped down. If you running an appliance on the mains at 3A it would be pulling 720W. I imagine that when people see 20A they imagine electric fire capability.