How to use a common atx computer power supply to get 12 volts dc?

[michelevit]

I am looking to power some 12 volt devices (small amplifier, lights, and case fans)
I have several ATX power supplies from computers and was would like to draw
the power from it. I know the ATX power supply has some sort of triiger to power it on.
Does anyone know which wires need to jumped to turn on the power supply?
This power supply would be seperate power supply from the one that is powering
the pc already is in the cabinet.
Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks for providing this forum. I have learned
a great deal from just lurking.

[tba]

it is pretty easy if you know you way around circuts and a soldering iron.

check this:http://www.instructables.com/id/E6D9DB9RPPEP286BR9/ site for step by step instructions.

[Kaytrim]

your 12v circuit would be the yellow wire and the black wire next to it on the connector that hooks to a drive unit.  The other two wires are for the 5v circuit.

[RayB]

Check with a volt meter. Some manufacturers reverse the color coding.

[Kaytrim]

Check with a volt meter. Some manufacturers reverse the color coding.

Didn't know that.  Thanks Ray

[somunny]

Here's the tutorial I used:

Convert-a-Computer-ATX-Power-Supply-to-a-Lab-Power-Supply

[steveh]

that is a nice site.  Bookmarked for future use.  Thx

[michelevit]

thanks for the replies. that was exactly what i was hoping to do.
i am planning on using the 12 volts to fire up the trackball light,
marquee backlight, cabinet cooling fan, and small car amplifier for
the speakers.

thanks again for all the help. i've got several surplus atx power supplies
that i can use.

[leapinlew]

Sounds like you got the info you needed, but just for some other options I've used older AT style PSU's which have a hardware on/off switch.

I've also used wallwarts that output to 12v.

Out of all the solutions - I'd use a wallwart again. Easy and I have plenty of them.

[ChadTower]

That ---smurfing--- rocks.  Awesome.

[falkensmaze]

that was exactly what i was hoping to do.
i am planning on using the 12 volts to fire up the trackball light,
marquee backlight, cabinet cooling fan, and small car amplifier for
the speakers.

 i've got several surplus atx power supplies
that i can use.

I had planed of using my 12 v suply for my marquee backlight but after trying several ideas i found no substitute for a 240v (uk) fluresent strip light (24") for a smooth effect. i still use tre 12 v for my under cab neon  light, my coin  door lights and my track ball and have hooked them up to a single switch above my cab, so when the kids play the wont use them  But i still havent decided if i should hook my marquee light to a dedicated switch or not