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DC Power distribution - Nix the Transformers?
MailtoDelete asks: "I have most of my electronic gear plugged into a couple power strips hanging off a UPS. Most of these devices have big block-type transformers which, besides being bulky, are a bit of an eyesore. I have been trying to find a product out there somewhere that would allow me to have one central transformer that would distribute DC power at variable voltages, depending on what devices I wish to plug into it (think one AC input and 9 or so DC outputs individually adjustable). I found this device that resembles what I have in mind, but it does not have sufficient output for my router, switches, and various other devices. Is there a product on the market already that would do this? Can I build one with my marginally above average soldering and electrical schematic skills? Have any of you found a better way to eliminate these blocky plug-hogs?"
"This is Reddy Kilowatt, reporting a dangerous, overloaded octopus connection in sector five!"
"Flyin' in just a sweet place,
Never been known to fail..."
The device you're looking for is a power supply -- they're not just for computers. Just get one that will put out enough amps for peak demand on all your devices, mount some molex connectors onto a board of some sort, color code them by their voltages, and stick the whole shebang in an old PC case.
Of course you'll have moved from a bunch of smaller blocky transformers to a large honking thing with a fan, you'll have to wire up your own cables. Watch that you don't overload it, or you let out the magic smoke and none of your devices have power (and you'll be ventilating your room of noxious fumes). And none of it will be portable. It's going to be loud with the fan, and don't skimp on that, or it's magic smoke again.
This is probably even more misguided than the guy who wanted a raised floor.
Forget replacing wall warts with one very large wall wart.
Where is my wireless power?!
We wont be truly untethered until we have wireless power.
(Not entirely kidding. Is there any safe way to deliver wireless power? Or am I just asking to turn my house into a very large Microwave Oven?)
- For the complete works of Shakespeare: cat
Too much of the smoke escaped. Capacitors are smoke reserviors. It sounds like ther ewas a clog on the drain side of the capacitor, and the pressure of the smoke popped the capacitor. Since you say it was a used PSU, it could be that there was a build up of burnt electrons in it, and they clotted.
jX [ Make everything as simple as possible, but no simpler. - Einstein ]