DivideWorks
  • HOME
  • PROJECTS
  • CONTACT

HOBBY POWER SUPPLY

2/22/2015

0 Comments

 
Picture
Picture
Picture
The ATX power supply can be found in many old desktop computers.  Mine came from an old PC that was running windows ME.  The ATX has 12Vdc, 5Vdc & 3.3Vdc terminals ready to go.  It also has built in overload protection, making it an ideal power supply for prototyping.
Picture
Picture
I decided to integrate a old multimeter I had laying around Into my power supply.  This will be handy when troubleshooting new circuits.  I was able to salvage the origal connector from the PCs motherboard.  To attach both the multimeter and the connector to my project enclosure, I used an old tip on my soldering iron and welded the plastics together.
Picture
To make the most of my power supply, I decided to add some AC voltage as well.  I included a 120V to 24V AC transformer and a 120V outlet connected through a dimmer switch, which gives me a range of about 80V-120V.  Finally, I squeezed in a couple of USB ports connected to the ATX 5Vdc terminals and a 12Vdc automotive power socket connected to the 12Vdc terminals of the ATX.
Picture
This is a typical pin layout for the ATX, although not all are the same.  By jumping one of the com pins to the PS On pin the ATX powers on.  I made this connection with an on/off switch and used one of the 5Vdc pins for a standby LED indicator.  The PWR OK pin is used for a second LED indicator.  The end result is an extremely useful, although bulky bench power supply that inludes terminals for 3.3Vdc, 5Vdc, 12Vdc, 24VAC, 80-120VAC. 
Picture

A Better Power Supply

Picture
With this power supply voltage is adjustable from 0-23Vdc and amperage is adjustable from 0-3 amps.
Inspired by _http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Small-Bench-Power-Supply/
Picture
Picture
With the ability to dial in voltage and make adjustments to amperage this power supply is a huge improvement over the ATX power supply, although both have their place in my workshop.
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Author

    As a midnight maker I am inspired by the open source community to contribute and share some of the projects I have attempted.

    Categories

    All
    3D Printing
    Arduino
    Crafts
    Drones
    Electronics
    InMoov
    LED
    Natural User Interface
    POV
    VR

    Archives

    August 2017
    February 2017
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    July 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    November 2015
    September 2015
    July 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    February 2014

"We cannot solve a problem by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them."  [Albert Einstein]