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Sensibly Powering DC Technology?

Posted by Cliff on from the do-away-with-the-wall-warts dept.

splatnet asks: "Having upgraded my PC to a Mac Mini all my IT kit is now DC. The Mini, my flatscreen, external USB HDD, USB DVD writer, JBL speakers, ADSL/Wireless Router. I have practically the same amount of space taken up for transformers as I do computer equipment! Has anyone found/invented a way to power multiple DC devices (all with slightly different power requirements)? I'm thinking in terms of space/convenience/running costs etc." It would be neat if there was a DC power source that could be tuned to a specific voltage, as well as modular plugs to fit your various devices. Is there anything out there that comes close?

3 of 90 comments (clear)

  1. Sticky tape and elmers by TristanBrotherton · · Score: 4, Funny

    1) Take power bricks and place in pile. 2) Cover in duct tape. 3) Continue wrapping of duck tape over cables. 4) Spray paint blue. Voila, a uni power brick... Seriously, i have this problem too, its even worse for traveling with devices. Most of the time the power brick is bigger than the gadget. I ended up building my powerbricks into my table, (underneath the desk) looks neater. Not much more functional. -tris me

  2. You're asking for Trouble! by ka9dgx · · Score: 4, Insightful
    You've got all sorts of equipment, with all sorts of hidden assumptions about what ground means. In the best case scenario, you actually have no weird assumptions, or nasty surges when devices get turned on, and it all works.

    I've learned, the hard way, that the coaxial power plugs used on most devices these days will temporarily SHORT when you plug them it, which means, at a minimum, a separate current limited regulator for each plug.

    Accept the things you cannot change, this is one of them.

    --Mike--

  3. Re:I'm waiting for the day by Gilk180 · · Score: 5, Informative
    >Any other requirements could be done by stepping voltage down.h

    You can't just step down DC power, that is one of the many reasons AC is ubiquitous when most electronics operate on DC.

    • With AC, voltages can be stepped down or up.
    • AC can be more easily transmitted over longer distances because it is transmitted at very high voltage(and therefore low current), then transformed near the destination to 110/220/whatever you might use.
    • AC can easily be converted into DC. Give me a good diode. Or even better, 4 diodes and a capacitor. The inverse it not true.
    • I know I'm forgetting some things...