My Homebrew Autopower Peripheral Solution

[Hippo]

I may be preaching to the converted but I wanted to share how I managed to power up my peripherals from my PC without purchasing a 'special' extension block.

A Picture speaks louder than words so here is the setup.



Here you can see the setup, here's how it works:

Mains is fed into one side of the box using a standard IEC connector. This is fed straight to the top socket for PC power. The mains out socket is then also connected to this feed with the exception of the live wire which is wired to the COM and N/O contacts of a 12V relay.

The relay coil is then connected to a 3.5mm jack on the side of the box. This connects via a lead to a 3.5mm jack on the PC (via a blanking plate) which is connected to 12V internally.

When the PC is turned on 12V is applied to the relay coil (and also to the LED via a resistor to indicate 12V on) this connects the live wire to the mains out socket. This in turn applies mains to all the sockets on the extension lead powering my peripherals (Monitor, Speakers, Marquee light etc.)

This is a nice and simple project and has saved me a few 'bucks' but also gives me the satisfaction of knowing I did it myself.

Here is a circuit diagram showing the wiring if you wish to make one yourself and your not too sure how to do it.



WARNING! If you do attempt this remember there are high voltages involved. I wont be responsible for you looking like Albert Einstein if you get it wrong!

[2600]

Not sure if you just don't have it pictured, but you really should use a diode in parallel with the relay coil on the 12VDC side.

[Hippo]

Yeah I forgot to show the diode as my relay came on a little PCB with the diode and terminal blocks.

[2600]

That's convienent, where did you get it from?

I was thinking of driving one with a timer or the LEDWiz, but may go ahead and get another SmartStrip from Bits Ltd.

[Hippo]

It actually came from the company I work for, Im an electronic engineer by trade an it was one of our products so it was a freebie

Im sure you could buy one as a kit though from somewhere local.

[RayB]

I keep forgetting why people need this? My motherboard is set to power on after power loss. So all I do is plug in my power bar and everything comes on. Wheni find time, I'll have an AC switch that turns on the power bar (same thing). Everything will turn on.

Oh wait. You're using Windows, aren't you?  AHA! Another advantage to DOS!

[Cutty]

Wouldn't the power on after power loss be part of the BIOS? You could probably have your cab run windows and it would still start up when plugged in.

[Hippo]

This is setup so I dont have to have a mains switch on the cab or reach round to the wall socket to power it up.

Since I have power on keyboard set in the BIOS, one press of any key on ther control panel powers up the complete cab. Also where my cab will be it wont be powered up all the time.

[RayB]

You must not own a cat, or have kids.

[Hippo]

I dont have a cat cos they are the devil incarnate. But I do have kids and they are welcome to play the cab anytime

[toyfiend2004]

or... you could just go buy a 10 dollar surge protector from any office supply store... or even <gasp> Wal-Mart.