Hobby room being built-What type of Power supply
12-02-2005, 10:44 AM
#1
Im making plans to build a hobby room in my house so I can test and repair car audio equipment. I'm wondering if anyone has such a thing and what kind of power supplies are being used.
I noticed several repair shops using some Pyramid AC to DC Power supplies yet I have a buddy that suggested a model from Alinco. see below the link to that power supply.
web page
Please if anyone can help me find out what I should get it woud be great.
Note that I'll be testing medium to large amplifiers.
I noticed several repair shops using some Pyramid AC to DC Power supplies yet I have a buddy that suggested a model from Alinco. see below the link to that power supply.
web page
Please if anyone can help me find out what I should get it woud be great.
Note that I'll be testing medium to large amplifiers.
12-02-2005, 11:31 AM
#4
I've used a PC power supply to test head units and other low-current components. The problem with using a PC power supply is the vast majority of them are of low quality, and many will not deliver a full 12V, which is fine for most computer peripherals but not so good for car audio. Wattage is usually severly overrated too. Also, if you're using an ATX power supply, you'll need to wire your own on/off switch since that function is normally controlled by the motherboard.
I've heard good things about the Pyramid bench power supplies available at Parts Express, but I'm leary of anything with "Pyramid" on it. Anyone here with firsthand experience?
I've heard good things about the Pyramid bench power supplies available at Parts Express, but I'm leary of anything with "Pyramid" on it. Anyone here with firsthand experience?
12-02-2005, 07:53 PM
#6
500 Watt CAFz'r
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 603
Originally posted by bryan:
I've used a PC power supply to test head units and other low-current components. The problem with using a PC power supply is the vast majority of them are of low quality, and many will not deliver a full 12V, which is fine for most computer peripherals but not so good for car audio. Wattage is usually severly overrated too. Also, if you're using an ATX power supply, you'll need to wire your own on/off switch since that function is normally controlled by the motherboard.
I've heard good things about the Pyramid bench power supplies available at Parts Express, but I'm leary of anything with "Pyramid" on it. Anyone here with firsthand experience?
I've used a PC power supply to test head units and other low-current components. The problem with using a PC power supply is the vast majority of them are of low quality, and many will not deliver a full 12V, which is fine for most computer peripherals but not so good for car audio. Wattage is usually severly overrated too. Also, if you're using an ATX power supply, you'll need to wire your own on/off switch since that function is normally controlled by the motherboard.
I've heard good things about the Pyramid bench power supplies available at Parts Express, but I'm leary of anything with "Pyramid" on it. Anyone here with firsthand experience?
and ya, most power supplies dont give a full 12 volts. the one I was using only put out 11.7. which is pretty damn close. but when you try do run an amp off of it, well you just have to be REALLY carfull on the gains...
[ December 02, 2005, 08:55 PM: Message edited by: WD21 ]
12-02-2005, 08:17 PM
#7
Guest
Posts: n/a
Originally posted by zzzzzzz:
have you looked at a cpu powwer box for our cpu, think i have a 450amp at 12v in my cpu
i think the one you are looking at looks good but what is the $$$$
have you looked at a cpu powwer box for our cpu, think i have a 450amp at 12v in my cpu
i think the one you are looking at looks good but what is the $$$$
45A maaayyybe, but that is even high, are you sure you read the numbers right? My computer power supply is 8A, but it is very old.
12-06-2005, 09:26 PM
#10
50 Watt CAFz'r
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 192
Hey
If you can find a used or surplus Sorensen or HP power supply they are excellent. A current limit feature is a wise choice when repairing equipment.
I use a small HP 6289A for low power stuff under 1.5A, the current limit feature is a must to keep from blowing up parts if there are problems.
HP 6291A for items up to 5A.
For big power I have a sorensen DLM 16-185E. If you want to actually test power amps under load to rated output you will need lots of current.
Toronto surplus is a good place to find such items, but they are not cheap. You can also go the ebay route, but shipping can be pricey on a linear supply, less so for a switching one but you will pay more for the item.
Good Luck, J
If you can find a used or surplus Sorensen or HP power supply they are excellent. A current limit feature is a wise choice when repairing equipment.
I use a small HP 6289A for low power stuff under 1.5A, the current limit feature is a must to keep from blowing up parts if there are problems.
HP 6291A for items up to 5A.
For big power I have a sorensen DLM 16-185E. If you want to actually test power amps under load to rated output you will need lots of current.
Toronto surplus is a good place to find such items, but they are not cheap. You can also go the ebay route, but shipping can be pricey on a linear supply, less so for a switching one but you will pay more for the item.
Good Luck, J
