Welcome to Mr. Latch-up's C64 DTV Advice Column

Featured Dilemma:

Can I change the LED in the c64 DTV?

Hello Mr. Latch Ive been wondering, how/why is the LED is being used in the regulation circuit and why does the power switch cut ground Thanks Huckle

Dear Huckle,   The LED in the DTV is an active part of the 3.3v-ish power supply.  It acts like the zener diode in a linear regulator and is used as a cost saving move.   You can not replace the LED with another type(especially blue) or the voltage may change/   The regulator in the DTV is a terrible design that burns current like it's going out of style.  Who cares if it eats batteries?  Right?    I recommend for portable designs you removing the regulator and replacing it with a Low Drop Out(LDO) linear regulator or even better would be a switcher.