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small marquee light powered from a laptop?

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ark_ader:

You need a cold cathode that draws the 5v from USB.  I have one of these used as a desk lamp and it kicks a large amount of light.  it can very easily be modded to fit your marquee area and they are quite cheap.



Neverending Project:

I believe he's talking about an Apple PowerBook - as referenced in another thread. If so, you will not likely find any spare connectors inside the laptop - even if you decide to open 'er up. The drives on the PowerBook are ATA by the way.

The FireWire port can give up to 45 Watts of power at up to 30 volts. From what I understand on a laptop this is really limited by the battery, which should provide about 12V. But the NovaMatrix wants a regulated power supply so I'm not sure this would be the best way to go. If you want to check it out, pin 1 is power, pin 2 is ground on the 6-pin connector (see attached firewire connector pic).

What are you using to power the laptop? On mine, I just had a powerstrip that the laptop was plugged in to. Then I got a regulated 12V wall wart and snipped the end to power the NovaMatrix. Check it out here:


DeLuSioNal29:


--- Quote from: headkaze on August 26, 2008, 05:22:24 am ---Have a look on ebay for an ide to usb adapter, they are quite cheap, but they also have an 12V power adapter with molex connector.

--- End quote ---
Brilliant idea Headkaze, yes that would work great.

This is what I would do:
Buy it for $14.99 here:  http://www.surpluscomputers.com/store/main.aspx?p=ItemDetail&item=CRD10181
(you will only need the power cord which will convert the 110v to 12v molex)

Buy this power splitter (you may have one lying around the house you could use): http://www.xoxide.com/4pinsplitter.html

That way, you can simply connect the LED marquee light to the +12 (yellow) and the ground (black).  And you don't have to cut open the power cord, you simply splice the connector (in case you mess it up) and then that would plug into the power cord.  Nice and simple.

~ DeLuSioNaL


Ginsu Victim:

I don't suggest using surpluscomputers.com

I was about to order from them, and decided to look them up at the Better Business Bureau. I suggest you do the same.

DeLuSioNal29:


--- Quote from: GinsuVictim on August 26, 2008, 01:47:58 pm ---I don't suggest using surpluscomputers.com

I was about to order from them, and decided to look them up at the Better Business Bureau. I suggest you do the same.

--- End quote ---
I've never had a problem with them.  And at $14.99 it's not a bad deal.  However, for peace of mind you could always order it at Newegg.com for $5 more:  http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812232002



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