Easy 5V Power Supply for OpenCockpits Cards

For those of us using OpenCockpits cards, they require 5V power. But, OpenCockpits doesn't explain how to achieve that.

I posted another thread, where I solved the mystery of using a computer's ATX power supply to get 5V of power to the card. But, it's very complicated and perhaps not the safest of things, given that an ATX handles a lot of electricity.

So, I found a GREAT solution. Photos are attached:
1) On eBay, for $4.50, buy this 5V DC 1A 1000mA US Regulated Power Supply Adpater with 5.5x2.1mm Plug:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/121396561206
2) Get a Female 5.5mm Connector -- can be obtained from http://www.industrialelectronics.biz. Ross, there, knows the exact one to ship (such Connectors come in many sizes). Around $8.00.
3) Get a package of Molex .100 KK Housings & Terminals 2 Cir (2.54mm) -- can be obtained from http://www.industrialelectronics.biz. Ross, there, knows the exact one to ship. Around $7.50.

You'll need to know how to solder and assemble the Molex Housings & Terminals, and a search on YouTube can give you that instruction.

It's easy, then: make your Molex connector with two wires (+ and -), strip off the other ends to plug into the Female connector (be sure you have correct polarity), and then plug it all together. Works like a charm!

http://www.mycockpit.org/forums/atta...id=11233&stc=1http://www.mycockpit.org/forums/atta...id=11234&stc=1http://www.mycockpit.org/forums/atta...id=11235&stc=1

thanks for this info.

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Originally Posted by imported_767300

thanks for this info.

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I'm glad it's being read! Thanks for replying. Some of these threads go sorta' dormant, so it's hard to judge how helpful they are for people. Glad it helps!

Steve

An alternative is to take +5V (red) and ground (black) from a spare outlet of the PowerSupply in your PC...

Nico

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Originally Posted by kiek

An alternative is to take +5V (red) and ground (black) from a spare outlet of the PowerSupply in your PC...

Nico

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Thanks, Nico. I think you kindly replied to my thread about the PC ATX power supply, at http://www.mycockpit.org/forums/showthread.php?t=29625 . I successfully solved that and gave some step-by-step guidance to others who are doing the same for the first time.

For me, the PC power supply is bulky, has a ton of wires everywhere, and is processing a ton of electricity. I wanted something simpler and cleaner.

So, this 5V eBay transformer and adapter are a really low-cost, simple, and clean solution.

I just went a very easy way by using an old Cellphone-Charger. They usally supply 5V and about 700 mA. Just removed the Plug and soldert it to the mastercard, works well so far!

double post

tripple post

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Originally Posted by HgQuecksilber

I just went a very easy way by using an old Cellphone-Charger. They usally supply 5V and about 700 mA. Just removed the Plug and soldert it to the mastercard, works well so far!

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Hi Hg,

I looked into that, too, but I seem to recall that the cell phone charger I had was 6V. It probably sounds trivial, but I had no idea if 6V would be 1V too much for the OC board. I just didn't want to take a chance.

And, soldering it to the master card… well, yes, that works. I just like plugs, for easy assembly/disassembly in the future.

Thanks for your input!

I think the reason some of us go for the PC ATX is because we need to ensure we have enough amps for our outputs --for example for my back lighting I have a 5v with up to 25 amp load. The ATX is also wired up to the glareshield lighting which takes 12V. The overhead which I have yet to wire up will also be fed a lead from this ATX.

So I end up saving 3 power plugs and ensure that there enough amps to power all the lighting within the system.

Regards.

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Originally Posted by stevem

Hi Hg,

I looked into that, too, but I seem to recall that the cell phone charger I had was 6V. It probably sounds trivial, but I had no idea if 6V would be 1V too much for the OC board. I just didn't want to take a chance.

And, soldering it to the master card… well, yes, that works. I just like plugs, for easy assembly/disassembly in the future.

Thanks for your input!

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Some charger has 6v unloaded, when you put a charge, the voltage drops to 5v. Try measuring connecting a lamp.....
Regards.
Horacio.

I can recommend checking LED strip power supply from ebay. they have a great size/form, are available in 5, 12, 24, 36, 48, ... volts with max currents from 2A to 60A for not much money!
Look for LED strip power supply on ebay!

Wow great info! Thanks