Use PSU for Cold Cathodes; without computer

[Lars]

Hi,

I would like to use one of my old power supplies to power two cold cathodes only (one behind my monitors, one under my desk). Now, the PSU does not seem to provide power unless it is connected to a motherboard. Is there something I can do so that the PSU provides power to my two CC?

Thanks in advance!

 

[jackschmittusa]

Just use an old AT style psu. It even has a switch already wired to it. Don't have one? Trade.

 

[0roo0roo]

buy psu tester. it turns on psu. that or figure out which pins do what and use a paper clip. not suggested.

 

[thraxes]

I would also suggest an old AT PSU... easy to come by and virtually idiot proof.

 

[Lars]

Ok, so the ATX PSU will not work? Too bad, i have 3 old ones here.

Instead of using an old AT PSU, can I instead just use some 12v adapter from Radioshack? I have no clue which one but I think they are not too expensive?

Thanks

 

[0roo0roo]

http://www.pcpowerandcooling.com/products/alarmandaccesories/accessories/popups/index_tester.htm

 

[Mark R]

Just get a POS "pregnant plug" thing from radio shack.

A 9V one would be fine.

 

[ChefJoe]

Heh... you just need to ground the green wire in the PSU plug. It's the green wire right in the middle of the row near the latch for the plug. You can ground it with either of the black wires next to it. I always ground it with the black wire that's even closer to the latch. As long as it's shorted, your PSU will stay powered on. You could hook up a sp/dt switch to those wires if you wanted something "fancy".

 

[Lars]

Originally posted by: ChefJoe
Heh... you just need to ground the green wire in the PSU plug. It's the green wire right in the middle of the row near the latch for the plug. You can ground it with either of the black wires next to it. I always ground it with the black wire that's even closer to the latch. As long as it's shorted, your PSU will stay powered on. You could hook up a sp/dt switch to those wires if you wanted something "fancy".

That worked great. Thanks for the explanation; was easy enough so that I could do it.

 

[ChefJoe]

I have to do this all the time when I'm testing out newly low volted fans in my case but don't want to fry anything should I goof. Glad to help.

 

[0roo0roo]

why don't u power em using your computers power supply? just extend the wires of the cathode and thread them out the back of the case a few crimps and your done.

 

[Lars]

Originally posted by: 0roo0roo
why don't u power em using your computers power supply? just extend the wires of the cathode and thread them out the back of the case a few crimps and your done.

I was actually setting that up before ChefJoe posted his information. However, the cold cathode lights will not neccessarily always be on at the same time as the computer(s).

BTW, it looks very cool now.