Computer Power Supply

[nycnoob]

Alright.. So who is really electrical smart or computer smart?
Well I might have some old computer power supply.
Anyone know how to wire it power up and stay on? forerver until unplugged?
I heard its a lot harder if to be able to turn it on and off..
I basically want to connect computer fans to the power supply..
I know using a 12V Dc adapter is easy, but I am trying to cut costs.

 

[Cheeba]

Here's a write on how you can setup the PSU to run without the mobo. Keep in mind that this shows instructions for a 20pin (which you should have).
http://modtown.co.uk/mt/article2.php?id=psumod

If you do decide on 12v solution, get the Zalman Fanmate 2 fan controller.

 

[nycnoob]

werd up thx a lot..exactly what i was looking for...

 

[Guest]

if the specs. on the fan and the transformer are the same, just cut the cord clean, splice to the fan, and plug into a surge protector strip to test..

make sure your connections are taped off well with electrical tape and/or wire nuts

its that simple..

whats a power supply?

cj

 

[Guest]

oops ok a computer

ok LOL

it has internal transformer then i reckon?

i just go to the electrical supply and get an electronic transformer or cut one off an appliance that corresponds

u mean gutting it out of the pc? interesting

 

[Verite]

Funny, you arent going to cut any costs by running a 200 watt power supply to do the job of a ten dollar ac adapter that would use a tenth of the electricity.

 

[AlexanderS]

most of the older AT powersupplys have a on off switch on them. plug it in and flip the switch.

also, if your wiring your own ballast the case's the powersupplys are enclosed in mod up real nice.

--AlexS

 

[Guest]

Sounds like a unwanted hazard to me bro... Fire is a end all to your growing.

 

[AlexanderS]

yea. generally speaking wiring a ballast yourself is a firehazard. but the whole using a AT powersupply to power computer fans, not so much. however, you must keep in mind that computer power supplys arnt designed to run with lots of humidity(or dampness or any water in general) so itd be best to keep the actual ps outa the grow area and away from any place that might get a stray misting or a spill. also, they need airflow to keep the parts cool, over heating will cause problems. so that meens no saw dust(actualy doubly so for saw dust for obvious reasons) or anything that could get into or cover the vents, it holds true for all kinds of stuff, including ballasts, but i just thought it should be said so theres no questions.

--AlexS

 

[nycnoob]

Thanks everyone for the input..

Verite I have heard that it can use up to 200w, not necessarily use 200w..

Yeah I was just wondering about it all.. I want to learn new things (=..

 

[Guest]

200watts electronic power conversion hmmmmmmm sounds like there's a minimum load, could be wrong but it's something to take into consideration.

 

[Verite]

Correct, thats what makes it a variable load balanced power supply. Older supplies used the running wattage right from the power on and needed load balancers plugged into them when they werent driving the recommended loads. The supply however isnt designed to operate at just a few watts and if I put an educated guess I would suspect it runs at least 30% of full load at idle.

Typical cheapie computer fans push anywhere from 20-40cfms and operate anywhere from less than one watt up to a few watts.
http://www.1coolpc.com/case80ho.htm

This radio shack 12v/500ma AC adapter will run 10 of those Papst 80mm fans listed at the bottom of the page and cost a fraction of the electricity used compared to a PC power supply.
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2049713

 

[Guest]

also old cellphone chargers work very well. I use Comp fans for drying and the cellphone power supplies usually run from about 5-7v which spins them at just the right speed. Thought I would throw that in there for the cost cutting aspect. I had 6 different ones laying around from old phones.

 

[Xsmoker]

Verite or anybuddy else who's an electrical whiz (I'm still learning) your help would be appreciated:

I salvaged 3 power supply fans from scuttled computer towers. They are all 12v rated from 1.5 to 2 amps.

I wired them to an old cell phone charger (6V/2amps) I had (parallel I think) and they are chugging along nicely. I might want one or two more. I have a few 12v transformers lying around also I'm pretty sure.

How do you figure out how many fans you can safely run on a transformer?

Thanks,
X

 

[Verite]

Most those fans have stickers on them with their current draw during operation. [ ie, 12v DC @ 0.25 Amp ]

A transformer will also have their operational thruput listed on them as well [ 120VAC ~ 12VDC @ 500ma ]

Current draw is stacking and transformers are designed to be used up to full listed load. [ the above transformer could run two .25 amp 12v fans ]

0.25 amps = 250ma [milliamps]

Shop around for computer fans since they have widely different current ratings and avg 20-40 cfms airflow.

p.s. 12v fans that draw up to 2 amps is way too much juice.

 

[Xtbudda]

Funny, you arent going to cut any costs by running a 200 watt power supply to do the job of a ten dollar ac adapter that would use a tenth of the electricity.

Thanks Verite...heheh
It was only about 2 months ago, of running my 180watt psu for numerous years, that I went bingo, why dont I use a heavy duty 12v dc adapter, which i had several of.....DOH
I had to find ways to cut my watts down, as I am adding a 4inch Hurricane inline fan.
Xtbudda...

 

[Verite]

Curious if during those years you ran a computer with it?