DiyLightAnimation

Hardware => Lynx Smart String => Topic started by: taybrynn on March 11, 2011,

Title: Powering up/Testing the ATX power supply
Post by: taybrynn on March 11, 2011,

I just got the ATX power supply for the SS Hub.  The Corsair 750TX 60A supply.

I know that normally something on the ATX computer motherboard and/or case signals the supply to turn on / off.

My questions are:

(1) How does a smart string hub power on/off the ATX power supply?

(2) Can/should the power supply be turned off when the show it no longer running  If so, how is the preferred method for tuning it on/off ?  I had considered putting it on a cheap digital A/C timer like the one I use for my FM transmitter.

(3) Can I test the power supply without having a SS Hub?  Yes, I know I could hook it up to my computer tower, but I can't think if any other way.  I tried plugging it in (with nothing attached) and as expected, it doesn't power up.

Thx in advance.

Title: Re: Powering up/Testing the ATX power supply
Post by: chrisatpsu on March 11, 2011,

The hub will automatically turn on the psu.
a timer would work.
They sell power supply testers at newegg and tigerdirect. Mostly for less than $20.

Title: Re: Powering up/Testing the ATX power supply
Post by: n1ist on March 11, 2011,

ATX power supplies are turned on by jumpering *PS_ON (pin 14, usually a green wire) to GND (pin 15, usually a black wire).  A small scrap of wire or bent paper clip stuck into the connector will work.

Some supplies may need a minimum load on the 12V lines to properly regulate.  You can use a suitable power resistor or car light bulb for this.
/mike

Title: Re: Powering up/Testing the ATX power supply
Post by: chrisatpsu on March 11, 2011,

the nice thing about the tester, is that it is easy to use, and can test the multiple voltages at once, to give you an idea if something's wrong... 

i.e.  yeah, it turns on, and 12v is fine, but maybe one of the other voltages is off (like +5v)
plus, you don't have to remember which pins do what, or have a mistake when you do insert a pin in the wrong hole.

Title: Re: Powering up/Testing the ATX power supply
Post by: CaptKirk on March 11, 2011,

You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login

Some supplies may need a minimum load on the 12V lines to properly regulate.  You can use a suitable power resistor or car light bulb for this.
/mike

An old hard drive does a great job of loading the 12V if you have one around.  A bonus is that it already has the right connector to attach the power lead directly without trying to kludge in something like a light bulb.