Rackmount DC Power Supply - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Halcyon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 04, 2015, 05:04:29 am
content: I have a bunch of low-voltage gear in my server/comms rack that uses plug-packs to deliver DC power (at various voltages; I think all of it is either 5v or 12v).It would be great to have a 1RU rackmount unit where you could dial-up the required voltage (or at least the most common ones via a switch) to drive to several devices and do away with individual plug-packs and AC to DC power supplies?Does anyone know if such a product exists?

author: cs.dk
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 04, 2015, 07:42:20 am
content: It does exist. I've got a TDK Lambda PSU in that formfactor. They are not cheap though.Take a look at their Genesys series, i believe all of them is available as 1U PSU's.http://www.us.tdk-lambda.com/hp/product_html/genesys1u.htm

author: Halcyon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 04, 2015, 08:07:54 am
content: Quote from: cs.dk on October 04, 2015, 07:42:20 amThat would only supply 1 output though? I was talking about something with multiple channels. I guess it wouldn't be overly difficult to build with multiple taps off a transformer?Just enough to supply a few amps (max.) at various common voltages out to DC barrel jacks.

author: andtfoot
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 04, 2015, 08:42:02 am
content: There's something like this (I'm not sure of the price):http://www.krameraustralia.com.au/products/model.asp?pid=2616&sf=539&pname=VA-102P512They do other variations as well, but only 5V and 12V. They rackmount with an adapter kit.Another idea is power supplies for CCTV systems, but those are generally only 12V and you would have to check how well they are regulated.

author: wagon
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 04, 2015, 11:15:35 am
content: You could put one of those little 'open frame' switchers in a 1RU cabinet. Many have 5v and 12v outputs in one box.

author: jwm_
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 04, 2015, 11:20:01 am
content: Look into studio gear, people using a lot of effects pedals need a bunch of isolated DC outputs. Something likehttp://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=161689104479&alt=web

author: Halcyon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 04, 2015, 11:21:54 am
content: Quote from: jwm_ on October 04, 2015, 11:20:01 amWill do. But doesn't that gear use phantom power? That device has a Dave Jones TeardownTMwritten all over it ;-)

author: Richard Crowley
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 04, 2015, 12:28:48 pm
content: Quote from: Halcyon on October 04, 2015, 11:21:54 amThat multi-output power supply provides ordinary DC power as you would get from the original wall-wart power supply. Typically 9VDC at ~100mA, to replace a common rectangular snap-connector 9V battery. This has NOTHING to do with "phantom power" which is a very different scheme for powering microphones.If you could tell us what voltages and currents you are talking about, we might be able to offer practical suggestions.But, absent any useful details, if I had that requirement I would get a blank 1RU case and mount inside a bunch of those DC-DC converter boards from eBay that are dirt-cheap. That would give you individually adjustable, and ISOLATED (VERY IMPORTANT!) outputs for each of the loads.

author: jwm_
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 04, 2015, 12:32:03 pm
content: Quote from: Halcyon on October 04, 2015, 11:21:54 amPhantom power is for microphones where you send DC back up the signal cable, this is for powering guitar effects pedals. An act may have dozens of pedals used throughout a show so one of these is better than tons of 9v batteries. The one I posted is no doubt on the cheap end, but you can always go more expensive with studio gear. Stuff has to stand up to being on tour.