Computer Monitor On Switching Power Supply/Isolation Transformer needed for it?

mert8431

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Computer Monitor On Switching Power Supply/Isolation Transformer needed for it?

One of my arcade cabinets is currently using a computer monitor with a CGA to VGA converter and the game is hooked up via JAMMA. While the game and the converter run off the switching power supply in the cabinet, the computer monitor's power (CRT monitor) is hooked up with a standard 3 prong cable to a power strip. Would stripping off the end of the monitor power plug and connecting the appropriate leads to the switching power supply cause any issues? Would I need an isolation transformer for this? I've read that most new monitors do not require one, but I wasn't sure if a computer CRT monitor would fit into that category. Right now the cabinet is not running an isolation transformer of any kind. I would normally just experiment with it, but I figure it would be much safer to ask then blindly hooking it up and doing some major damage to things.

I did a few searches online, but didn't see anything in particular to the subject. Any thoughts would be appreciated! Thanks!
 
The voltage shouldn't change if you decide to strip the cable down and hook it into the switching power. But to be on the safe side I would check the voltage with a voltmeter just to make sure it's pushing enough to run the pc monitor.

Since your using a PC monitor there is absolutely no need for an isolation transformer to it. Would be kinda pointless really and in some cases harmful if the iso isn't pushing enough power that the monitor needs.
 
If you intend to connect the monitor power to the same lines that provide the switcher power then you may be OK.

What size are the wires powering the switcher and how long are they? The computer monitor may draw too much current for those wires when added to the draw from the switcher.
 
Thanks guys. I believe the the length of the wires powering the switcher are less then 6 feet long. As far as the size of the wires, I would need to double check tomorrow morning. I'll let you know my findings!
 
Thanks guys. I believe the the length of the wires powering the switcher are less then 6 feet long. As far as the size of the wires, I would need to double check tomorrow morning. I'll let you know my findings!


Six feet? So is the cable that plugs into the wall terminated at the switcher? If so it is very likely sufficient size to carry the additional load.
 
Yup, so we are good to go in that aspect it least.


Most likely but I am not completely convinced. Where is the field ground (green wire from the power cord) connected? Is this a legitimate, heavy gauge power cord, or did someone rig a lamp cord? How did they connect it to the switcher? If they had to cut back a larage number of strands in order to get it to fit then the connection could be compromised.
 
After checking, the power cord is about 8 feet long and the individual wires connecting to the switching power supply are 12 gauge wires. The green FG wire is connected to the switching power supplies FG post. Also the power cord looks to be the same time of power cord you would use to power a computer power supply. Just spliced out to the 3 wires. They look like they were cut pretty cleanly.
 
So I went ahead and connected the computer monitor as well as the marque light to the switching power supply. Everything seems to be working without any issues. The only thing I'm concerned about is if it's OK that the power cable's green/ground wire running from the wall outlet is connected to the ground post on the switching power supply.

For reference here is a pic of the wires and how it's connected to the switching power supply:

http://i499.photobucket.com/albums/rr356/mert8431/Arcade 2012/4ec56614.jpg

Thanks for the help! :)
 
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