Comments on: Power Projects from your PC

By: XTL

XTL — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 21:29:09 +0000

Naturally AT/XT power supplies are a whole lot easier and often fall into the category of “toxic waste” in many places and so can be had for free. A real power switch, possibly passthrough, in best cases with an isolation transformer and fair amount of beef.

By: Abizar

Abizar — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 04:23:48 +0000

Check the link below for a simple way to convert computer power supplies into a lab supply. Had written this about a year ago.

http://www.wikihow.com/Convert-a-Computer-ATX-Power-Supply-to-a-Lab-Power-Supply

By: dfowler

dfowler — Fri, 25 May 2007 23:21:48 +0000

Me,

Let me put it this way. Messing with electronics as a hobby can result in all manner of injuries. Everything from a simple burn to total dismemberment without death is possible. If you do any experiment you see on the web you must accept any and all of the possible consequences. The projects on this web site may cause spontaneous combustion of your naughty bits in addition to any one of the other possible things that can happen. Please for the love of your soul and the sake of all other responsible hobbyist, do not repeat any experiment you find anywhere if you can not accept the possible consequences of your actions.

By: me

me — Fri, 25 May 2007 12:21:12 +0000

“We can sue…”
Only if something bad happens!

By: Ken S

Ken S — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 02:40:06 +0000

This is a smart idea! It will really come in handy when Im hacking something and need a quick line. Ill have to get a spare PS for this.

By: dfowler

dfowler — Sun, 15 Apr 2007 21:03:38 +0000

I agree. I did make a current limiter and described it in this post. http://www.uchobby.com/index.php/2006/11/12/current-limited-pc-power/

By: nil lab

nil lab — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 02:59:15 +0000

I’d recommend using a current limiter circuit on each voltage, which is easily made with an inexpensive power mosfet and a pot, to protect your circuits. it’ll also save you having to buy so many fuses.

Playing with a power supply this powerful without a current-limiter can lead to fires and explosions- be careful out there!

By: John Mcwhinnie

John Mcwhinnie — Fri, 19 Jan 2007 06:38:59 +0000

Hi, i want to use an old PC power unit to give me around 4A/12V DC for hobby use. Can it be done safely?

By: Myself

Myself — Mon, 15 Jan 2007 08:09:20 +0000

Aside from the current limit considerations, the Molex connectors are notoriously unreliable under any sort of physical movement. If you’re hacking along with the side of your PC open, as I envision being the case using such a cable, you’re liable to jostle the connection and glitch your project’s power.

By: dfowler

dfowler — Tue, 28 Nov 2006 05:19:52 +0000

Thanks Jonathan.

The PC power supply does have short circuit protection and I use a current limiter to further protect things. My post after this one describes the current limiter which you would want to use even with a standalone PC supply.