Re: how to use a computer power supply for 12v and 5v

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, "feck123" <feck123@a...>
wrote:

> Hi all...Im trying to figure out a way to use my old computer power

supply to

> give me the 12v and grnd and 5v and grnd i need to power the

stepper

> driver board i have...My question is how do i get it to give me the

power? It

> is not hooked up to anything...just got the connections

dangling...When i

> plug the power cord in to the wall, using my test meter i can find

only 1

> wire that will give me the 5volts i need, but none have the 12

volts...What

> do i have to do to get 12 volts also?.......I tried searching this

topic and did

> not find much,so hopefully this not TOOOO basic of question that

has

> already been answered......Im new to this machine assembly

stuff......but

> this board has been the BEST place....Thanx for any and all help !

mike

Hi Mike,

I remembered reading that the computer supply must have a load for it
to operate, so I think you have to put a resistor somewhere before
you can measure any 12V. Regarding the 5V you can also get it from
the USB port. What I did was got hold of an old USB cable, cut it
open. The red wire is the +5V and the black wire is I believe usually
ground. It is very easy to make your own power supply and perhaps
that is an even better way to get your power. This list (and other
websites like www.geckodrive.com) taught me how to do it and I am no
electrical engineer.

Hope that helps