OT: Switching Power Supplies Sufficient for Multiple 12v Out?

whoamonga

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OT: Switching Power Supplies Sufficient for Multiple 12v Out?

Hi,

I'm look for an alternate solution to running a series of small compact flash video players in sequence.

As it is right now, if I want to operate say, 6 players, I'll need 6 individual 12v power supplies.

To consolodate the power supplies, I've tried running the 12v to a distribution block and split it out to several players at once, but as you might guess I ended up with a voltage drop that would not power the players.

So my question is... I know that the power supplies in my arcade games power several 12v items at once... lights, board, maybe something else... And i'm wondering if I were to slap one of those things on there, if I could cancel out the need for multiple power supplies?

Thanks in advance for any help!
 
Should be. Your problem is that the power supply for each of those devices puts out only enough current for one of them. So, if each device draws 400ma, and the power supply is rated at .5A, then the power supply can't power two devices.

Larger switchmode supplies, like the ones in arcade machines and computers, can supply much more current. Look at the power requirements for your devices (or the ratings on the old supply), and add them up. So, in the previous example, if the device draws 400ma, times six, would be 2A. So you just need to find a supply that puts out 2 amps or more, and you're good. When sizing a supply, always go over - a safety margin is good to have. So, look for at least 2.5A supply in the above case.

The arcade supply should be fine - provided the draw won't be more than it's ratings. Another thing to look for would be a computer power supply. They are even beefier.

-Ian
 
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That makes perfect sense. I had some clouded areas concerning knowledge of the milliamp to amp conversion, but you lifted that for me! Thanks!

We have lots of old pc power supplies laying around, so I'll probably just use one of those.

Thanks for all your help amigo!
 
Larger switchmode supplies, like the ones in arcade machines and computers, can supply much more current. Look at the power requirements for your devices (or the ratings on the old supply), and add them up. So, in the previous example, if the device draws 400ma, times six, would be 2A. So you just need to find a supply that puts out 2 amps or more, and you're good. When sizing a supply, always go over - a safety margin is good to have. So, look for at least 2.5A supply in the above case.

-Ian

In the above example, 400ma times 6 = 2.4 Amps. So you should look for something around 3 A. This one from twisted quarter would work: http://www.twistedquarter.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=4

ken
 
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