small marquee light powered from a laptop?

[Bender]

I'm thinking of building a bartop from an old laptop and I'd like it all to run off the laptop so I think that means I'm limited to the 5V from the usb
the marquee are would be quite small like 3 x 14 or so so I don't need a crazy amount of light

so does anyone know if a Nova Matrix run on 5v just dimmer?

[RandyT]

Sorry, no.  It absolutely requires 12v to even fire up.

RandyT

[Bender]

anyone know of a way to get 12v out of a laptop or maybe I could install some kind of rechargeable 12v battery
Any Ideas?

[patrickl]

I once used one of those notebook USB led lamps (which came free with something), but that was for a cab based on a PocketPC.

Are you going to open the notebook? Maybe you can find 12V inside?

The adapter for the notebook itself might even give 12V.

[headkaze]

anyone know of a way to get 12v out of a laptop or maybe I could install some kind of rechargeable 12v battery
Any Ideas?

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. So you could attach it to a PC power cable and rig it up to power the LEDWiz. So you would just need to be able to plug it into the wall to power it.

[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]

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.

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]

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.

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

[Ginsu Victim]

Aside from the BBB, I've looked them up and found several complaints elsewhere.

If it's only a small amount and you get stiffed, that's one thing, but I was going to buy a PC.

[Bender]

Thanks so much for all the input

I think one of those usb cathode tubes would do the trick maybe even two

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.

I really want it to be able to run off the battery

I'll have a plug too, but I'd like to be able to use it with no external power for at least a couple of hours between charges

[Bender]

found This online
I think that this will work perfectly