Cigarette Lighter (12v) and USB (5v) power supply (Adapter).
11 Feb 2012: This quick job can be done in an evening. However, it is not exactly a stand alone project. You need a working computer power supply to use it. Suppose you have a bench top computer test station (I find it very convenient to test the config before I put it all together when building or testing computers) that you use to check out motherboards. This will work fine. Or you may have finished a working model of the Bench Supply we are working on in Realtime Projects (above) on this site. Also you might have an open computer which you can use (sometimes I leave the side off a computer that needs extra cooling or that I get into a lot). Another possibility is just having an old supply from an outdated or a broken computer. In any case you need that supply to use this adapter. Remember that some supplies (older ones) need a modest load on them to work or regulate properly. Also, some need a "power good" signal of 5 volts. See the Bench Supply project for more info.
This is basically a double adapter to take the Hard Disk 4 pin power connector from a computer power supply. The first adapter allows you to hook it to a Cigarette Lighter socket used for many automotive accessories. You can get this from most automotive stores and also Electronics stores (among other places). Thus you do not need to go out to the car to try something out, or use in the home or shop. The Yellow wire on the power supply is the 12+ (usually red on the cigarette socket). The Black wires are all ground on the power supplies and go to the black wire on the cigarette socket. Solder directly including insulated sleeves, or make a plug in to hook to any power supply for a temporary connection.
The other adapter is for 5 Volt USB power usually used for charging USB devices (or running them). You can cut the USB cable off of an old discarded device (like a mouse) to get the cable. Or you might buy a USB cable at the Dollar store and cut it up. The simple hook up schematic below shows which USB contacts need the 5V and ground. On the power supply, use the red wire for the needed 5 volts positive and the black wire for the ground return. You may need to ohm out (measure continuity) the wires on the USB to find which wire is which pin. Only 2 wires are used in a USB charger. See diagram. Be very sure you get them right as if they are reversed, VERY bad things will happen. And note that the power supply will provide far more current (maybe 10 to 30 amps) than a standard USB (half an amp). This could start a fire. You have been warned.
Schematic TBD1 but most of the info is presented in the Bench Supply page.
This is basically a double adapter to take the Hard Disk 4 pin power connector from a computer power supply. The first adapter allows you to hook it to a Cigarette Lighter socket used for many automotive accessories. You can get this from most automotive stores and also Electronics stores (among other places). Thus you do not need to go out to the car to try something out, or use in the home or shop. The Yellow wire on the power supply is the 12+ (usually red on the cigarette socket). The Black wires are all ground on the power supplies and go to the black wire on the cigarette socket. Solder directly including insulated sleeves, or make a plug in to hook to any power supply for a temporary connection.
The other adapter is for 5 Volt USB power usually used for charging USB devices (or running them). You can cut the USB cable off of an old discarded device (like a mouse) to get the cable. Or you might buy a USB cable at the Dollar store and cut it up. The simple hook up schematic below shows which USB contacts need the 5V and ground. On the power supply, use the red wire for the needed 5 volts positive and the black wire for the ground return. You may need to ohm out (measure continuity) the wires on the USB to find which wire is which pin. Only 2 wires are used in a USB charger. See diagram. Be very sure you get them right as if they are reversed, VERY bad things will happen. And note that the power supply will provide far more current (maybe 10 to 30 amps) than a standard USB (half an amp). This could start a fire. You have been warned.
Schematic TBD1 but most of the info is presented in the Bench Supply page.
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