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| Need some hardware help please |
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| BurgerKingDiamond:
I'm planning on installing some pc fans for cab ventilation plus a coin door and maybe a LED light bar. The thing is I don't know how to power all these since you can't just plug them into a power strip. From reading other posts I've gathered that there is a way to connect them to your computer's MoBo for the 12V or 5V that is required. I've never decased a computer though... Is there anyone who can walk me through this? BTW I'm using a laptop. I don't know whether or not that will complicate matters. |
| DashRendar:
It depends on the specifics- but usually if it's running through the PC's power, it's connecting through a powered USB connection (meaning, no need to open the case). I don't recommend opening a laptop case- they're not designed for it (unlike towers). Since they are designed to be so compact, you won't have easy access to the motherboard like you would with a regular PC. That, and things like the monitor can pop out if you open the casing, etc etc. Every laptop is different, but I've never seen one with screws to open it up. Usually I see them with tabbed clips that hold it together at specific points. You need to know where those clips are so you can slip a screwdriver in the right spots to unclip them. Sometimes the keyboard will pop out for better access. Better bet would be to pick up a cheap tower PC off Craigslist and use that for your cab. :angel: |
| z:
I second DashRender, taking apart a laptop will likely lead to some headaches. Maybe take a different approach, power what you need off a powered USB hub. Pull apart a laptop cooler like this http://www.amazon.com/Cellular-Innovations-IE-LCSI-Cooling-Station/dp/B002FB654W/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1268859273&sr=8-3 for fans and use something like this http://www.amazon.com/USB-10-LED-Light-Notebook-Laptop/dp/B001LIMDH8 for your LED lighting. There are literally dozens of USB cooling fans and LED lighting options to look at, the key is by using prewired USB items with the powered USB hub you are eliminating having to wire anything or open your laptop case. Z |
| bkenobi:
You could also just buy the cheapest, lowest power PSU you can find. That will give you any voltage you are likely to run across. If you use an ATX PSU, you will need to short a couple pins to turn it on. If you can find an old AT PSU, there is a power switch right on it. |
| BobA:
Most PC cooling fans are 12V so a cheap 300W ATX PS will give you lots of power for lighting and fans. USB hubs are 5V so I would recommend a PC PS to compliment you laptop. |
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