FOUND!: ATX power supply with switched AC accessory outlet!

[krick]

Does anybody know where I can purchase an ATX power supply that has a "monitor outlet" on the back?

Back in the day, AT power supplies had a "monitor outlet" and it was switched via the main power switch.

There are some ATX power supplies that also have them but they are wired in parallel to the mains power and are always powered on regardless of the state of the PC.  It's essentially just a pass-through so that you don't need to plug two things into your power strip.

Any links to places to purchase one of these elusive beasts will be greatly appreciated.

If I can't find one, I'll have to break out my dremel tool make one.  I'd rather just buy it.

[Hoagie_one]

yeah, link to these please

[krick]

Well, here I go, answering my own post....

Vantec VAN-400B ION 400W Power Supply - $58 (free shipping)
http://www.ajump.com/ajump/product.asp?pf%5Fid=8830013&dept%5Fid=2166

This power supply has an actual AC outlet on the back.
And I'm not positive but I think it switches on and off with the power supply.


Anybody used one of these before?

[GCS]

Haven't used one of these before but I can say a few things.

1. Its a Vantec product and they make good quality stuff.  I have been using their products for some time w/o issues.

2. Back in the "OLD SCHOOL" days many AT style power supplies were like this and function in the manner you are asking it to do.

Greg

[RayB]

Yes, in fact, back in the day I remember VCRs and cable boxes also had these built in, so you could switch the VCR on, and your TV would power up too.

I wonder why they don't anymore? Maybe it's not "safe"??

[Jakobud]

Yes, in fact, back in the day I remember VCRs and cable boxes also had these built in, so you could switch the VCR on, and your TV would power up too.

I wonder why they don't anymore? Maybe it's not "safe"??

No, many receivers still have these on them.  My high end Sony receiver has two or three pass thru's on it.

[AmericanDemon]

All of the Motorola Cable DCTs that my company uses still have the bypass.  We routinely will hook up a TVs power connection to the box.  So if they turn off the cable box, the TV is off too.

[Hoagie_one]

If you end up getting it Krick, let us know if its a switched Outlet

[SteveJ34]

Not to rain on your parade but....d

I'd be willing to bet it's not switched, that is, it's hot all the time if the main switch on the PS is on.

I searched high and low couple years back when I built my cab for a ATX PS with pass through cable for monitor. I found a couple but both I purchased the extra outlet is hot all the time if the main PS switch is on (even when the computer is not).

I spoke to a couple of techs (and friends) with electrical engineering backgrounds and they indicated this is by design (obviously) based on the design of the ATX PS itself.

I  ultimately went down the path of wiring a relay into a powerstrip controlled by a 12v line from the PC. Power on PC, relay triggers, powers on everything else.

Just trying to help and save you some $$.

[krick]

I found two different reviews that claimed that the outlet switches off when the computer turns off.  A few of the reviews cracked open the case and offered pictures of the inside.  It *looks* like there is some sort of circuit attached to the outlet.  The pictures are small so  I don't know if it is a relay or just an additional fuse.

I've ordered one.  We'll see what the deal is when it gets here.

[SteveJ34]

Well, if you found reviews that indicated it does thats a step in the right direction.

Yes, please do post the results......I don't have a need at the moment but I'd sure like to learn that such a beast exists after all the searching I did trying to find one many moons ago.

My plan was likely similar to yours.....hook a power strip to that extra outlet and away you go.

[krick]

OK people, I got it in the mail today and I can confirm that the accessory AC outlet on the Vantec ION DOES indeed switch on and off with the PC.

...and there was much rejoicing...

*happy dance*

This is THE solution for those who truly want the easiest cabinet power solution possible.

[Sylentwulf]

You might want to check how much power that switched outlet can HANDLE. I know on the back of my home theater receiver, I couldn't hook up my subwoofer to one of the switched outlets because of the power restrictions listed on the outlet....

[krick]

You might want to check how much power that switched outlet can HANDLE. I know on the back of my home theater receiver, I couldn't hook up my subwoofer to one of the switched outlets because of the power restrictions listed on the outlet....

I just fired of a question to Vantec's tech support and this was their reply...

...
>  Is there some sort of amp or wattage limit?
...


William,
 
There is no viable limit, short of common sense.  Don't try running a microwave or clothes dryer off the outlet.  A monitor, television, VCR, light, fan, or any combination is fine.  Most people connect a power strip to power their monitor, printer, and other peripherals tied to the computer.
 
Regards,

Vantec Thermal Technologies
43951 Boscell Rd
Fremont, CA 94538
Tel: 510-668-0368
Fax: 510-668-0367

[ChadTower]

Hrm... I wonder what they would think of using it for a projection monitor.

[Sylentwulf]

Wow, kick ass, glad to hear it!
Unfortunately I JUST ordered a smartstrip, lol.

But, on the other hand, if I can't have my mame machine microwave a hot pocket and dry my clothes while turning on dig dug, do I REALLY want it at all?

[ashley-boy]

Has anyone ever called Vantec's Tech Support?

http://ashley-boy.blogspot.com/