Asked
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Hi all, In my unpacking of items I've gotten out of storage, I've found an old kyrocea power supply. It says output is 5.2vdc. If I cut the end off and replace it with a proper connector, will I be able to use it for bench testing? I'm assuming I would but being new to electronics, I'll be second guessing myself until I get more experience.
Thanks in advance.
Thanks Rich.
Old ATX power supplies require a load on the 5+ (sometimes the 3.3v also if it has one) before it will start up. You can simply add a jumper between any green and black wire to trick it into thinking it has a load. Then just plug it in and flip the switch (if it has one) and you have power.
Green to black is 5vdc Green to yellow is 12vdc
Test for proper power voltage before adding any load. Don't want any surprises. eek
If you don't have voltage remove all connections (except the load jumper), check your wiring and try turning it off and on again. Sometimes they shut down if they sense a short of over voltage.
Have fun, Dave Schulpius
I'll have to see what surprises the storage gods bring me. Thanks for all of the info on options.
Be careful using switching power supplies (such as found in computers). Often, if the load is too small they do not regulate the voltage very well and it could go high enough to damage parts. A single microprocessor does not draw enough current to stabilize large switchers. A load resistor and a 'ON' indicator light can be used to provide more current draw if required.