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| Help me install a LED Power Switch on my ATX PSU please! |
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| slapaham:
Okay... I'm building a supergun project and it uses a mini ATX PSU. However, it works as soon as you plug it into the mains. I'd like to have control as to when it powers on and so I want to install a small switch. I also want some indication of when it is definitely powering on so a switch with an incorporated LED seems like a good idea! I found this one Ebay with the accompanying animation... When I look at my ATX there are 2 wires coming from the 3 prong mains socket. I can't remember the colours off hand but I think they might be green and black? I can check if needs be! Anyway, I'm a bit confused as to where I connect these and also what would be the best way of powering the LED. Here's the specific auction page for more details - http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120549602603&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT#ht_1049wt_1167 Please correct me if this is wrong but I'm assuming the green and black (if thats what the colours were!) from the 3 prong socket are connected this way - green to plus on switch black to ground on switch then for the bulb I'm thinking perhaps get a molex cable, take a 12v wire from it and crimp it to 'a' on the switch to power the bulb? I see that as the molex connection will kick in when there's power going to the ATX this makes sense? Or am I totally barking up the wrong tree? Please someone let me know, so I can either a) buy it and get a step closer to finishing this project or b) rethink how I'm going to achieve this! ;D :cheers: |
| Ed_McCarron:
I'm guessing no. It takes the voltage in on the + terminal, and when 'on' connects it to the 'A' terminal. The LED is across 'A' and Gnd. If you follow your plan, it sounds like you'll be tying 12v to the green wire when switched on. If you could isolate the LED from the 'a' terminal this could work. Perhaps see if you can either: find a switch with an isolated LED? buy the switch and see if you can get at the LED leads? Find a DPDT switch to isolate the two? IIRC, the green carries 5v at minimal current -- you pull it to gnd to start the PS. |
| lilshawn:
this is not what you are looking for. if you are going to switch the "Mains" (AC power) to the power supply you should (read MUST) use a "double pole" switch to disconnect both the live and the neutral wires from the power supply. ALSO your led light on the switch will only run on 12 volts.... your going to be trying to run it on line voltage (way more than 12) try to find a switch specifically designed to switch mains voltage. |
| slapaham:
Thanks guys... back to the drawing board... I'll post up when I find something else but because I have to say I'm a little lost atm! :o |
| Ed_McCarron:
Hm, what country are you in, slapaham? Heres a 120v lighted switch if you want to actually switch the mains: http://www.allelectronics.com/make-a-store/item/LRS-133/ON-OFF-LIGHTED-ROCKER-SWITCH-120-VAC/-/1.html But, thats not how I interpreted your original post. I figured you want to leave the AC on and switch the ATX ps via the green to ground option. Perhaps just a standard switch with an external LED/resistor hung across the 12v/gnd rails of the power supply? |
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