Needs Pictures: 0
Picture(s) thanks: 0
Results 1 to 7 of 7
Thread: Power supply question
-
10th February 2020, 09:17 PM #1
Power supply question
Hi,
First off - sorry but I asked my question on somebody elses post.
Delete if needed.
I built a unit from a PC power supply and it worked fine for a while.
Now works when it feels like it.
Need to build another unit.
Question is:
Is DC a prerequisite or will an AC power source work?
I ask because my soldering iron works on a AC power supply.
Thanks
PhilLast edited by Phil Hansen; 10th February 2020 at 09:20 PM. Reason: grammar
-
10th February 2020 09:17 PM # ADSGoogle Adsense Advertisement
- Join Date
- Always
- Location
- Advertising world
- Posts
- Many
-
11th February 2020, 01:15 PM #2
As you are heating a wire, AC is fine, even preferred. Low voltage required, around 3 Volts @ a few amperes.
The biggest mistake I see people make when trying to build one for a typical wood burning pen, is trying to use a transformer supplying around 12v to 15v AC instead of 2 to 4 volts. As you are trying to use a old PC SMPS then likely the 5V supply or even better a 3.3v output if it has one at a few amperes. It's easier to get fine heat adjustment if you can control the AC mains input side, which is why I like a transformer with an old dimmer controller on the input.
Usual safety warnings for AC inputs and legal requirements / laws will need to be followed.
Mike.(1) Our small workshop layout __ (2) Bandsaw circle cutting jig __ (3) Spindle sander modifications __ (4) Dust Sensor
(5) Router table redesigned ____ (6) DC and where it all began __ (7) Bandsaw dust extraction build
-
11th February 2020, 03:36 PM #3
Thanks Mike,
Just the advice I wanted to hear.
Have got a transformer (multiple taps 2 to 24 V) and a dimmer unit.
Will have a crack at it today.
Phil
-
12th February 2020, 01:26 PM #4GOLD MEMBER
- Join Date
- Apr 2011
- Location
- McBride BC Canada
- Posts
- 3,543
Remember that electricity is like a waterfall =
The height of the waterfall is the voltage and the amount of water going over is the amperage.
The amps do the work.
In fact, I^2xR is the resistance heating. I stands for amps and R is resistance. Keep the voltage low.
-
13th February 2020, 02:57 AM #5
Got it up and running in test mode.
The transformer is not as I previously thought. It does have multiple taps from 12 to 24 V and rated at 2A.
Put the dimmer in line and can get good results without the pen getting red hot.
Measured the voltage at that setting and with no load it was 6V. With the pen attached 1V
Does this all make sense? Does the load cause such a voltage drop?
Thanks
Phil
-
13th February 2020, 08:31 AM #6
This type of input voltage control is not any kind of regulation control. That means that no load to load measurements are meaningless.
You could check the input current under load and check your not exceeding the VA rating of the transformer.
If you have a number of secondary taps, you may be able to feed the heating element from between two taps, like between a 6v and 9v tap, potentially giving you a 3V secondary.
Keeping in mind that a heating element (wire) is almost a glowing fuse and a very low resistance value, hence you would expect a very low voltage and high current measurement across the element. This of course is a simplified answer and there are a number of restive factors in play that determine the need to adjust the input voltage to maintain correct pen temperature under varying wood burning conditions.
Mike.(1) Our small workshop layout __ (2) Bandsaw circle cutting jig __ (3) Spindle sander modifications __ (4) Dust Sensor
(5) Router table redesigned ____ (6) DC and where it all began __ (7) Bandsaw dust extraction build
-
13th February 2020, 08:04 PM #7
Thanks Mike and also RV for your replies.
The explanations of how this all works were great. Made sense and I now understand things a lot better.
I did not know I could get a feed between different taps.
Well connected between 12V & 15V and surprise got 3V.
With that setting and the dimmer on 100% I can get a decent burn with 1.2mm wire and no red hot tip.
If I use thinner wire will be able to turn it down to avoid melting the wire.
Tapping between 15V and 20V made things red hot at a very low dimmer setting. Will stick to 3V .
Thanks again for all your help/explanations.
Cheers
Phil
Similar Threads
-
Power supply help
By Lappy in forum CNC MachinesReplies: 8Last Post: 2nd August 2012, 11:21 AM -
Question about amp power supply...
By Yoz in forum MUSICAL INSTRUMENTSReplies: 9Last Post: 16th November 2009, 09:42 AM -
power supply
By tleah in forum CNC MachinesReplies: 11Last Post: 1st November 2008, 02:38 PM -
Quick Power Supply Question
By Dean in forum NOTHING AT ALL TO DO WITH WOODWORKReplies: 25Last Post: 3rd December 2005, 06:46 AM -
Question about power supply to tools
By jshaw in forum HAND TOOLS - POWEREDReplies: 38Last Post: 5th September 2005, 10:44 PM