I think that this project is going to take me some time … there are some bits of information that I need to gather before I can really do very much, some case modifications and some decisions about how I go about providing connections to the power outputs.
I have been given an Antec SmartPower 2.0 500W power supply with dual “pull through” cooling fans. The power supply seems to have all that I need (and some redundant bits that I need to plan how to handle).
I downloaded the manual from the Antec website and it seems to have most of the information that I need … so far.
My requirements are:
- Break out connections for 3.3v, 5v and 12v;
- Switch between 12V and variable power output;
- voltmeter display to show voltage output on 12V/variable;
- 5V USB output;
- LED power indicator;
- LED standby indicator.
To achieve the 12V/Variable I plan to put in a SPDT toggle switch to select either 12V or Variable. When the 12V/Variable is in either state, for the voltage to be displayed on a voltmeter. This means that I’m going to have to dedicate one of the 5V outputs to power the voltmeter.
The 5V USB should be fairly straight forward, I just need to connect the outer two pins on the USB connection block to 5V and GND (the right way around).
I could embed the power supply inside a purpose built case that simply connects the power supply 20+4 connector into a compatible PCB connector and then break the connections out from that. That would also mean that, should I need to change the power supply later, that it is independent of the case and breakouts.
Anyway, I’m going to do some research and mull over the options before I do anything else with this project.
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