How to NOT convert ATX power supply to benchtop or lab power supply

3 years ago
49

In this video, I show how you can avoid wasting time converting old PC ATX power supplies into benchtop power supplies. The answer is not to convert them at all, but make an adapter. I made a wooden box to contain the binding posts, dummy loads, ATX motherboard socket, and power switch. This enables me to quickly switch out the PS, as I have not modified it in any way.

This is a big time saver because I sometimes blow these power supplies and need to replace them. Not only that, I can use this device to test power supplies to see if they work and turn on.

Old ATX power supplies are dime a dozen (or free if you like to dumpster dive), so don't sell your soul to them!!

Check out my web site at
http://www.dansworkshop.com/2012/01/benchtop-power-supply/

This also saves time if you damage a PS while modding it. If the PS was working when you began modding it, and then a bit of ESD fries something, or a slip of the drill damages it while making holes in the original PS's case, et cetera, and then you get all done and turn it on...nothing. Then you wasted all that time doing the mod. Forget all that!! Just make one (or two!) of these adapters.

The wikipedia page on the "Power Good" signal:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_Good_Signal

Another link for those too faint of heart for wikipedia:
http://www.pcguide.com/ref/power/sup/funcPowerGood-c.html

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