12v power supply for map light

[Skysurfer170]

Hey guys,

I'm wanting to purchase the FDS map light and also the dimmer unit. Does anyone recommend a good 12v power supply for this? Not sure what i'm looking for and i'm not electrical minded.

Appreciate the help.

[jackpilot]

Get any PC Power supply new, or better second hand, in shops that do computer maintenance. Around  $20 . You will get 5V (red wires) 12V (yellow) ground (black) To make it work you need to
Join the green wire (there is just one) with any ground.

Piece of cake!

[Skysurfer170]

Will i cut off the additional wires from it? Also what if i need longer wires?

[blueskydriver]

Hi Vernon,

A computer power supply has connectors normally for internal connections. However, to use it for your needs, do as Jack suggested, but only cut the connectors off the wires you need. For myself, I'd just remove the connector and wire it to whatever I need it for.

As for extension wires, use those that are about the same size as the ones your cutting the connectors off of. If you look at the wires on the power supply, they might have the sizes written on them. Look for AWG and a number, that is the wire sizing, then head off to a hardware store and buy some spools of wire of that size...

John

[jackpilot]

The best is to cut off all terminals and arrange your PSU so that you can use it for other applications
Something in that vein.






Besides, the FDS lights use LEDs, AWG 20 is more than enough

[blueskydriver]

What Jack is doing looks very nice and neat, plus he's using wiring blocks/connectors with fused sections. Having things like this is much safer and makes it easier later on to find errors with power and fix them; a lot of other builders use block connectors as well.

Here is a really old book (pdf link), yet still good enough to use today, if you know little about electronics. Go through it and even try some of the examples...

https://archive.org/details/Radio_Shack_-_Basic_Electronics_Share_Me_Self_Help_Ebook_-_Pdf1/page/n1

John

[awdoman]

Another way than mentioned above where you dont have to cut any wires, is to buy what is call a Breakout board.  Amazon has this version or there are others.  Check it out, it may help you as well.

https://www.amazon.com/Electronics-Salon-20-pin-Supply-Breakout-Module/dp/B01NBU2C64/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1547575967&sr=8-5&keywords=computer+psu+breakout+board

[blueskydriver]

Good find Eric! I will order some of these for myself...thank you! 

John

[Skysurfer170]

Thanks alot guys.

That breakout board looks awesome, i may purchase one of those and a ATX PSU to connect it to.

Now i have a question - If I decide to purchase this board do I connect the dimmer and the phidgets relay card i will be using to it

[Skysurfer170]

Hey guys i just drew this with a normal PSU

[mickc]

Use the relay to switch the positive side, and also use the Normally Open contact (NO) you have it shown  wired to the Normally Closed contact

[Skysurfer170]

Now i'm conf With all this electrical stuff

[bernard S]

no offence     buy book understanding electronics and electrical curcuits    be a great help to you

[Skysurfer170]

Guys i found this on opencockpits

https://www.opencockpits.com/catalog/power-supply-dual-500w-p-330.html?cPath=24_58

[fordgt40]

Buying from Opencockpits their prices exclude VAT and postage will be dear. Ebay is your best bet

[Joe Lavery]

You could pick up a second hand one that would be fine for a fraction of that price, even buying a broken PC would be better. There are so many bits you can get from so called scrap equipment.

[jackpilot]

PC repair shops are full of them.
They will sell you a good one for some $20 flat.

[757Simulator]

no offence     buy book understanding electronics and electrical curcuits    be a great help to you

[blueskydriver]

Hey Everyone,

That link I posted for the older hand written book for Radio Shack is actually a very good read. I used mine (in book form) when first starting my sim project. I already knew electronics somewhat, but not enough of the "why" for this or that.

Anyhow, you can download and print out the PDF version, just scroll down the web page then choose PDF download. I just tested this and it was fine with no errors or viruses...

Happy Soldering,

John