Actice Hub ?

[bassmants]

What is the 12v option used for?  Sorry if it's vague, just wondering on a 12 volt smart string, what the option would be.  Thanks.

[rrowan]

To power the hub and the SSC or DSCs instead of using a pc power supply

During the design phase a few members told RJ that they have 12 power supplies and they didn't want to buy or use a computer power supply

hope that makes sense

Rick R.

[rm357]

The 12 volt option adds the 3.3 and 5 volt regulators needed to power the pic and '485 chips, respectively, from a stand alone 12 volt DC source.

If using a pc power supply, it provides all of the needed voltages without the extra parts. PC power supplies are the least expensive power supplies on a dollar per watt basis.

If using a pc power supply, you should not install the other regulators.

It is also important to look for a power supply with a single 12 volt power rail. Multiple rail models could cause problems depending on how that particular power supply was designed.

[tbone321]

IIRC, that connector is directly connected to the 12V inputs on the PC supply connectors so if your PC power supply has enough output current, you could also use that connector to supply 12V to a passive hub or another active hub if the second hub has the optional components installed.

[bassmants]

Makes sense now, thanks all.