tower power supply

[CHiEF]

is it possible to rip the entire power supply out from an AT case and use it like that, or is there a danger of electric shock due to lack of casing? just thought i'd ask because i'm fed up with having to lug the whole tower case around just to power the amiga ;)

[Akira]

Where did you get the schems to modify the PSU? Teh docs I read from the Aminet were utter pish.

[CHiEF]

aye, the aminet ones were all contradictory and didn't really come as much use. i spent ages searchin the net and eventually found some useful diagrams on some guys site, can't remember the exact name right now, but i'll check it out when i get home and post it tomorrow. you have to be careful though, because the schems from the net may not be exactly the same as your amiga hardware PSU, so it is important to buy or get hold of a "multimeter" to measure the voltages to make sure that it is 100% correct before you plug it up. if you get it wrong, you will know about it ;) so be safe!!! maybe a good idea to wear rubber gloves too ;) hehe

[CHiEF]

i seem to remember the site was something like "Ogg's A1200 Tower" page or something???

[Akira]

Ok, let me know, because I'm interested :) Cheers

[CHiEF]

heh, okay i just had a quick look for it and i can't find a link on the net, so i will make my own guide with some diagrams and upload it to the zone to try and help you out ;)

[Akira]

As long as I don't blowup my meega... :):rolleyes

[Shadowfire]

It's relatively easy to hack an ATX power supply to be used with an Amiga as long as you're good with wires. Aminet has hacks for supplying a /TICK signal, but I don't understand why, since the machines which require a /TICK signal have jumpers on the motherboard to take the /TICK from /VBLANK instead. Basically, the only thing remotely tricky is that you have to run an ATX/GND and the ATX/POWER lines to your power switch.

[CHiEF]

heh, so gettin back to the original question: could i use this PSU outside of the case *SAFELY* ;) ... i don't really want to electrocute myself just to play cannon fodder haha

[Akira]

Try it out, you might be able to pull off a Rayden impersonation to look cool at Halloween :D

[Shadowfire]

Well, if its like any other ATX power supply, the metal casing should be grounded, and relatively safe to expose (NOT safe to stick metal things through, though, there is 110 volts inside there). Just to make sure, use an ohmeter to measure between the ground prong & the metal casing - you should get <5 ohms of resistance.

The real safety issues are going to be the AC power line going from the socket to your power supply, and also possibly having exposed wires. Neither of which should be a problem if the power supply & computer are secured well.