I came across this ATX Power Supply Breakout Box from RPC Electronics and thought it might be of interest to anyone who needs to convert a PC power supply to a stand alone DC power supply but maybe doesn't feel comfortable doing it themselves. ($35.00 + Shipping)
The really good old post on PC Power supplies wouldn't let me post so hope it's ok to start a new topic for this.
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Looks like a pretty nice device, and a good idea, this could come in handy. Thanks for the link, I saved it.
It would create a nice high-power supply, interesting idea.
I have two of the ATX power supplies for all my accessory lighting. I just have all the wires tied together to terminal strips for the different voltages. I have $15 invested, 300 watts each, but you will be able to see all the lights I can do from your house!
Do you have those 300 watts split out into smaller, separately fused circuits so you don't have a huge melt down somewhere along the line?
I got rid of 2 or 3 of these in the summer of 2013 right before we moved. I think I may have 1 or 2 left somewhere around here, not sure of the wattage. It would definitely be a LOT of cheap power and that's a neat little interface box shown above! Lots of possibilities.
I will use the 12v most, so I have 4 feeds to terminal strips. I will put 3 amp resettable breakers on each one for protection. I have a lot of 22gauge wire so I will use mostly that. The 5 and 3v taps probably won't get much use. I'm converting some lighting over to the led strips, and the incandescent bulbs will work well on the 12v as well.
Emailing RPC Electronics, if you do not have a crimper for PowerPole connectors they can pre-crimp 12 inch pig-tails so you have something to work with. Alternatively, you can get a crimper for around $10 that has good reviews.
GB GS-388 8-Inch Crimping Electrical Plier
In most Youtube videos I see on PowerPoles, they use and recommend this ($35) crimper:
Anderson Powerpole TC-1 Crmper for 15/30 and 45 Amp Connectors
I came across this box while looking at PowerPole connectors. They look like something I'd like to try. I like the way they clip together. Lots of Youtube how to videos on the subject if interested.
Let me also add a few links for newbies like me that come along later that have no idea what this is all about:
Using a PC Power Supply for Accessories
How to Convert a Computer ATX Power Supply to a Lab Power Supply
(make sure to read all the warnings)
Best source or 12V DC power supply
I've found one of the hardest things getting started is not having all the information in one place.
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