How to Power the Cabinet

[Woodshop Flunky]

I'm rethinking how I want to power the different components in my cabinet.

1. I would like a single cord to plug into the wall.
2. I don't want to power down the entire system (including the PC) with one stroke.
3. I would like to have the all the lights and monitor go off with a single switch, but have the PC stay on (using a second switch I suppose).

The problem I'm having is that the monitor is running on household 120v DC power and the marquee and LEDs are on 12v DC.  The marquee is getting it's juice from the PC power supply.

Has anyone done this before?

Thanks!

[drventure]

Just pick up a 12v DC wall wart power supply and plug it into your power strip.

For the rest of it, hmmmm.

I guess I'd have two "master controller" power strips

one goes out to the wall, and I'd plug the PC into it's "Master" plug. Power off the PC and +everything+ goes off..

Connect the second strip to the first, and to +it's+ master plug, connect the monitor or something else that you want to control the second set of equipment (like a switched light or something).

Now, if the PC could be on and everything else off. Turning off the monitor and stuff DOESN"T turn off the PC, but turning of the PC shuts down everything.

You could also do it with a few X10 controllers and one of their "no wire" switches.

I'd be hesitant to wire 110AC through just any old external switches unless you're using well isolated switches, and putting the wiring in a standard "to code" box.

[Woodshop Flunky]

Thanks!  I think that makes sense.

I'd be hesitant to wire 110AC through just any old external switches unless you're using well isolated switches, and putting the wiring in a standard "to code" box.

I have one of these: http://www.newark.com/schaffner/fn9263-10-06/power-entry-module-10a-373ua/dp/88M4103?Ntt=88M4103

What sort of "to code" box are you talking about though?

[drventure]

Sorry, by "to code" i'm talking about those heavy plastic boxes put in the wall behind light switches (that you mount the light switch to). ie built to conform with the local electrical wiring codes.

They're also called junction boxes.

That "power entry module" in your link looks good though. You might be able to use it instead of one of the powerstrips.

I tend to like to use the PC power on off in conjunction with a master strip so that the PC can shut down softly (as opposed to just powering it off from an external switch, generally not a good idea for PCs).

I cant tell what the backside looks like. If there's exposed wiring, I'd probably put it in a junction box, to be safe. You'll find you likely will often have to go into the cab and have any exposed 110 wiring would be a bad idea imo.