ColecoVision Power Supply (Surplus)

The Archer Triple Output Plug-In Power Supply, catalog number 277-1022, was sold through Radio Shack as a replacement power supply for the ColecoVision video game system.

Although packaged and sold under Radio Shack's Archer accessory brand, the power supply inside is an actual Coleco-manufactured unit. Its original identification label carries the Coleco logo and identifies it as Model No. 55416 – “Plug In Power Supply for ColecoVision Video Game System.”

This makes the accessory particularly interesting: rather than being a third-party electrical substitute designed to work with the ColecoVision, the surviving example contains a genuine Coleco power supply repackaged for retail sale by Radio Shack.

Radio Shack Special Purchase

The Archer packaging describes the unit as a “Special Purchase!” and carries Radio Shack catalog number 277-1022. The box lists a retail price of only $4.95.

The combination of the generic Archer packaging, “Special Purchase” designation and genuine Coleco-manufactured supply suggests that Radio Shack obtained a quantity of Coleco power supplies for sale as replacement or surplus merchandise rather than commissioning its own ColecoVision-compatible power supply.

ColecoVision Power Requirements

Unlike many contemporary video game systems that used a simple single-voltage AC adapter, the original ColecoVision requires three DC supply voltages.

The Coleco Model 55416 provides:

• Pin 1: +5 VDC at 0.9A
• Pin 2: −5 VDC at 0.1A
• Pin 3: +12 VDC at 0.3A
• Pin 4: Common

The supply accepts 120V AC, 60 Hz, 0.25A input.

The unit is marked “10 83,” providing a date of October 1983 or, at minimum, a manufacturing/date code associated with that period.

Historical Significance

This example documents an unusual intersection between Coleco and Radio Shack's Archer accessory business during the ColecoVision era.

The power supply itself was specifically manufactured and labeled for the ColecoVision, while the outer retail packaging identifies it only as an Archer “Triple Output Plug-In Power Supply.” The prominent “Special Purchase!” marking provides additional evidence that Radio Shack was selling existing supplies acquired as a special inventory purchase.

For collectors, retaining the Archer box with the Coleco supply is particularly desirable because together they document how an official ColecoVision component was sold through an independent national electronics retailer.

Manufacturer: Coleco Industries, Inc.

Retail Brand: Archer / Radio Shack
Coleco Model: 55416
Radio Shack Catalog No.: 277-1022
Date: 1983
Date marking: 10 83
Original retail price: $4.95
Manufactured in: Taiwan
Function: Replacement ColecoVision triple-output power supply