12 volt tear supply from old computer?

[kirkman]

I remember seeing some one made a 12 volt supply for there tear from there old computer. Any one remember this and how to do it ? I have one and would like to use it instead of throwing it out.

Thanks!

[nikwax]

You have several voltages coming out of the power supply. Use your voltmeter to identify which is which (the black wire will be the ground, yellow should be +12 volts). You may be able to get around 12 amps from it depending on the particular unit, it should say on the case.

[cguardsman]

that is a pretty good idea but you would want to make sure it was a large power supply and not a small one as it would be overtaxed. let me go ask my tech and find out the numbers off the larger supplies.

[cguardsman]

the difference in the ones we use is small 25va and large 40va.

[cleonard]

It can work as a power supply, but there are a few issues that you need to know about. Almost every PC power supply must have a load to work correctly. It may need that load on the +5 or +12 outputs. It may need a load on both depending on the model. The only way to know is to experiment. Just use a voltmeter and when you put enough load it will start working correctly.

The older 80's PC and AT models are easier to use. They just had a real power switch. The current ones have a wire that needs to be grounded to turn on the power supply.

The +12 output will be useless as a battery charger. The problem is that it puts out really close to 12 volts and a battery needs at least 13.8 volts to charge. It is also not current limited like a battery charger needs to be.

Other than that they work pretty well. Be careful about overloading them however. They can fry when overloaded. It can happen with smoke and caps blowing up. Usually the metal case will contain the fire. A correct size fuse is a good idea. They also need cooling air. Don't put them in an enclosed space with no air to the outside. Be sure to check the fan in the power supply. The cheap ones use sleeve bearings and they do not last long. It's easy to replace the fans. A great source of computer type fans is www.AllElectronics.com They have a big selection from quiet wimpy ones to noisy air blasting ones.

[Mary K]

I found this....

http://tnttt.com/viewto ... t=computer



I might have to look into this.

Mk

edit ...Dang, it looks complicated

I posted this in your other thread about 12v power supplies.

Mk

[Alphacarina]

If you're not going to have a battery at all, then your converter needs to be able to handle the total amperage of everything you could ever be running at once - A computer power supply may or may not be big enough, depending on the total of all your lights, fans, TV, fridge, etc

If you do have a battery, then you need a regulated battery charger, but it can be much smaller because the battery will power whatever you're running and the charger only needs to replace that current, which it can do when your accessories are shut off

I'm goning to run a small 5 amp regulated battery charger (light and cheap) to keep an Optima yellow top charged up, even though I'll have lots of DC loads (lights, refrigeration, TV, fan, etc) the battery can make up the difference. I'll also have a 10 amp DC output from the Honda Genset whenever it's running (likely all night, powering the A/C)

Don

[Donutboy]

I was pondering this subject and realized I already have a 12V power supply--Archer, from RadioShack. It powered my first "stereo"; an automotive 8-track tape player that was mounted in the headboard of my bed. Whoops--I just dated myself!

[Dee Bee]

I have been using the converted power supply for three seasons. It has handled all my TD DC uses, which are admitedly limited

Info at

http://www.nfdc.net/home/cbdb/Teardrop%2012%20V%20Power%20Supply.htm

Dee Bee

[Alphacarina]

. . . . an automotive 8-track tape player that was mounted in the headboard of my bed. Whoops--I just dated myself!

Now you're making me feel old - Would you believe I once cut up the dash of a '58 Corvette to install an 8 track player?

Both old and stupid . . . . not for cutting the dash - That could always be fixed, but for selling that car

Don

[kirkman]

Thanks guys now to see if this entomologist ( bug man ) can become a electrician! I could not have even gotten this far with out all your help and suggestions!

[doug hodder]

It powered my first "stereo"; an automotive 8-track tape player that was mounted in the headboard of my bed. Whoops--I just dated myself!

I had the same setup...with Steppenwolf and Grand Funk RR 8 tracks!! It ended up in my Maverick...doug

[Micro469]

I remember seeing some one made a 12 volt supply for there tear from there old computer. Any one remember this and how to do it ? I have one and would like to use it instead of throwing it out.

Thanks!

Try this website... It's a real nice conversion...
http://www.wikihow.com/Convert-a-Computer-ATX-Power-Supply-to-a-Lab-Power-Supply

[Alphacarina]

Keep in mind that if you DO have a battery in your tear, a computer power supply putting out exactly 12 volts won't charge your battery . . . . .

Don

[bdosborn]

I had the same setup...with Steppenwolf and Grand Funk RR 8 tracks!! It ended up in my Maverick...doug

Doug,

I had a Neil Young 8 track in my Maverick.


Bruce