Power supply for tattoo machines - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: Seaofdep
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 18, 2017, 12:17:43 pm
content: Hi, i have two spare power suplies , pushing 2 amps max. And need 4 amps true 6 peak So before i spend 300 on a new one wanted to to see the diy route first. My question, is there a way to add higher amperage by replacing or adding parts. Is it even possible and if not is there a cheaper route than 300 to build one myself ?

author: jeroen79
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 18, 2017, 01:18:05 pm
content: Without knowing the brands/types nothing definitive can be said.To increase the current rating all parts in the main loop (ie. transformer, rectifier, capacitors, passtransistors) would need to meet the new requirements.Tweaking a the currentlimiter may be a bit easier.Can't you modify your tattomachine to work at twice the voltage?Then you could put both supplies in series.And why do you expect to pay 300 (dollars?) on a new 6A (12V?) powersupply?A tattoomachine doesn't sound like something that requires a 'high end' supply.

author: rstofer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 18, 2017, 01:47:57 pm
content: Google has a ton of replies re: how to build a tattoo machine power supply. Videos too...

author: MagicSmoker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 18, 2017, 05:31:46 pm
content: http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Mean-Well/LRS-100-12/?qs=sGAEpiMZZMsPs3th5F8koMf%2fa2V0paI9bHtyLIIvm6sQ6FMGZ6as2Q%3d%3dThere ya go. Please paypal me $100 for saving you so much money.

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 19, 2017, 12:05:08 am
content: Why such a high current for a tattoo machine? The few that I've seen don't run past 2A.Quote from: MagicSmoker on April 18, 2017, 05:31:46 pmNeeds to be adjustable...

author: Seaofdep
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 11, 2017, 10:21:13 pm
content: am sorry for late response some reason i didnt get notified but anyway i am sorry that i am not to an expert, the machines and power supples that i have see of quality all are 4 amps true and run around 300 dollarsand the builder of my machine notified me that with the coils he makes for his work it will run best on a supply of that spec and some research said the same for quality built machines and should run at about 4-6 v. if it helps i will post picture of what i have?

author: CJay
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 12, 2017, 10:58:35 am
content: The tattoo parlours I've been in just used variable lab power supplies (my partner has several really rather nice bits of ink*, I'm too indecisive to have any).I asked one why and they basically called BS on the 'special' tattoo gun power supplies.Seems there's a lot of mythology and BS surrounding the whole market.*For those who have met her, she looks like just the sort of person who has tattoos as she has several and is planning several more.

author: Aeternam
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 12, 2017, 02:52:22 pm
content: Enlighten me, what's special about tattoo machine PSUs?

author: CJay
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 12, 2017, 03:41:12 pm
content: Nothing special about them other than they have fancy graphics, blingy connectors on them and can have ridiculous price tags.In fact the ones I've seen are pretty poor.

author: JonathanSA
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 12, 2017, 03:47:53 pm
content: Just find a budget beginners bench supply or get the mean well with a buck converter.

author: Marek85
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 12, 2017, 04:15:02 pm
content: Why these tattoo power supplies have to look like an electric guitar pedal effect?

author: Seaofdep
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 12, 2017, 07:08:51 pm
content: from what i can tell and experiencdd the "tattoo community" is money driven and could care less about anything else ... i just have a delta 200pb 185a/ ac in:100v-240v ~3.5a max coninuios:190w dc output: +12v 5a +52v 2.5a . and a few potentiometers a voltagemeter ,female jack connectors . aboard with a lm317 and another wih lm2756s and random other.. and wondering if possible with these items will i be able to make myself a variable power supply?

author: amyk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 13, 2017, 12:33:44 am
content: Quote from: CJay on June 12, 2017, 03:41:12 pmNot even better (i.e. medical-grade) isolation? After all, it is powering equipment designed to puncture the skin...

author: P90
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 13, 2017, 01:35:47 am
content: Quote from: amyk on June 13, 2017, 12:33:44 amMaybe that's what they need... a good shock to perhaps clear the shit out of their brains for getting tattoos in the first place...

author: CJay
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 13, 2017, 06:30:56 am
content: Quote from: amyk on June 13, 2017, 12:33:44 amNope, it is discussed on tattoo forums by responsible users and i'm sure some of the better equipment is of that grade but I wouldn't trust the cheap PSUs to have decent isolation full stop let alone medical grade, I'd probably be slightly happier with a decent quality bench PSU.Plenty of 'homebrew' stuff out there too and there's a 'maker' culture around this stuff as well with some incredible looking steampunk equipment.

author: CJay
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 13, 2017, 06:35:48 am
content: Quote from: P90 on June 13, 2017, 01:35:47 amI'm sure they'd be more tolerant, respectful and less vocal of your personal choices no matter how repellant they found your unadorned appearance though.However, when you're appointed president of the whole universe then you can dictate everyone's appearance and your comments about the lifestyle choices of others will, I'm sure, be given due weight.For now it might be an idea, unless you're trolling, to keep your prejudices hidden.

author: Seaofdep
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 13, 2017, 07:58:43 am
content: @cjay if i do manage to get ti together i defenitly have no intentions on using it on someone unless i knew for fact that it would not do any damage or harm . and i will fabricate my own personal housing .. im not sure but this power supply is from a server and i think good quality and is quite expensive. what has me stuck is that it does not have as many wire as a pc power supplly nor does it have 5v and 3v lines..... it has 3 12v lines and 3 gnd to go with and 1 52v with 1 gnd to go with.. basically it would be nice since i am just starting out and will need one and be able to use it as a variable bench supply for future projects

author: Zero999
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 13, 2017, 08:22:14 am
content: Quote from: CJay on June 13, 2017, 06:35:48 amI can see the point: users with little knowledge of electronics, will buy something because it looks good, in the absence of any other information. As far as tattoos are concerned, I don't like them (especially the big ones) but banning them would be draconian.Quote from: Seaofdep on June 11, 2017, 10:21:13 pmDecent quality power supplies have some level of adjustment. For example, the 25WPSU linked below, TDK-Lambda LS25-5, is adjustable from 4.5V to 5.5V and is capable of 5A. You may also find the voltage adjustment may be a little wider than that given on the data sheet.http://www.mouser.com/ds/2/400/ls-524958.pdfhttp://www.mouser.co.uk/ProductDetail/TDK-Lambda/LS25-5/?qs=sGAEpiMZZMsPs3th5F8koGu8EUi%252bGg%252br%2fEI43s1gIB0%3d

author: Electro Detective
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 13, 2017, 09:17:43 am
content: unadorned appearancefan here !!!Mum and Dad did the best they could, as did their parents for them.Don't fix it if it ain't broke(and save big dollars and PAIN)KISS

author: CJay
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 13, 2017, 09:27:14 am
content: Quote from: Hero999 on June 13, 2017, 08:22:14 amAbsolutely, I'm somewhere to the left of green when it comes to personal liberties but liberty always comes with the price of responsibility for your own actions, many tattoos are not to my personal taste but they're a very personal thing to the owner, criticism like we've seen in this thread is, in my opinion, rather small minded.Anyway, back on track, yes, tattoo power supplies should be medical grade isolation but I'd say the vast majority of the cheap units out there just aren't, I would find it very hard to believe you can build a medical grade device for the prices they charge (under £15 for some of the cheapest).As far as the requirements of the PSU go, I would think regulation isn't one of the highest, the guns are most often a fairly simple armature device so current availability and limiting is most important as that determines the movement range of the needle.Adjustment range tends to be fairly wide, fine work requires lower power so it's really about the artist getting used to their tools just as we need to get used to our soldering irons etc.

author: CJay
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 13, 2017, 09:30:31 am
content: Quote from: Electro Detective on June 13, 2017, 09:17:43 amAbsolutely they did, so you never get your hair cut, never wear clothes, have had no orthodontic surgery, never wear cologne or deodorant, have no piercings or jewellery and have never had any surgery that wasn't essential to your survival right?

author: Electro Detective
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 13, 2017, 09:35:33 am
content: They never told me trashing my skin with suspect toxic paint that would look like spattered swamp mud in a few years would be"essential to survival"Heads will roll at the next family trough up--------------------All that aside (for a minute) whatever PSU you go for, make sure it's a good one with necessary isolationand DO NOT use one of these !!!https://www.eevblog.com/forum/chat/power-supply-goes-up-in-flames/msg1232332/#msg1232332http://youtu.be/B6IhEz0Gzyo

author: P90
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 13, 2017, 09:44:24 am
content: That tattoo ink leaches its way into the brain and rots it more than it already was... LOL

author: Electro Detective
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 13, 2017, 09:46:42 am
content: Friendly FYI: "Body Art" debates are UN-WINNABLE

author: P90
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 13, 2017, 10:01:09 am
content: Quote from: Electro Detective on June 13, 2017, 09:46:42 am<<<--- people with tattoos.

author: CJay
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 13, 2017, 10:58:07 am
content: Quote from: Electro Detective on June 13, 2017, 09:35:33 amNever claimed they were 'essential to survival' (though there are medical tattoos offered after certain surgeries), my point was that if you've ever had surgery that wasn't life saving then you've contradicted your own claim 'Mum and Dad did the best they could, as did their parents for them. 'And I respect your choice not to have tattoos as well, my entire point is that it's personal choice, some people want them, some don't, each to their own.As you say, body art debates are unwinnable, everyone has different opinions and that's what makes humanity great, our diversity, but insulting those who have differing opinions is called bigotry so suggesting, as one person did, that electric shock therapy would be a good way to 'clear the shit out of their brains' just shows them up as a small minded bigot.So, can we keep this on subject and can the insults please?

author: P90
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 13, 2017, 11:20:20 am
content: Quote from: CJay on June 13, 2017, 10:58:07 ama small minded bigot without tattoos mind you... :-)

author: CJay
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 13, 2017, 12:49:45 pm
content: Quote from: P90 on June 13, 2017, 11:20:20 amAs you say

author: Electro Detective
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 13, 2017, 01:51:25 pm
content: Even kids getting face painting have better sense (and fun) than the poorer pin pricked suckers doing their dough to look like mobile graffitiThe kids wash the paint off and have their faces backTattoo victims will soon be forking out for tattoo removals,and doctors bills for cheap tattoos gone south causing infections and blood poisoningThe expensive and painful bleeding addiction turns them into junkies, i.e. more tattoos till the money or skin real estate runs outIt's not bigotry, it's pointing out the obvious that many people are miserable and easily led on to drop their dough on ludicrous appearance enhancement.Tattoo vendors are raking in the cash, many are now way past millionaire status,they should seriously consider buying a UPS to support a decent PSUto keep the cash and 'body art' suckers rolling in 24/7

author: Zero999
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 13, 2017, 04:57:02 pm
content: Quote from: Electro Detective on June 13, 2017, 01:51:25 pmThat's a generalisation. There are some who have gone over the top with tattoos to the point where it has a negative impact on their health and well-being but they're in the minority. Most people will have one or two tattoos, then stop. The same goes for gambling, drinking etc.Quote from: CJay on June 13, 2017, 09:27:14 amI wonder if decent quality SMPS run off an isolation transformer would suffice? That way, there would be two layers of separation from the mains. As it's only low power, a 100VA should be enough, even when the fact that a small SMPS might not have a great power factor is taken into account.

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 13, 2017, 06:16:56 pm
content: Can we keep this discussion technical please. As for having or not having tattoos each to their own!

author: Seaofdep
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 13, 2017, 06:23:16 pm
content: thank you Simon , i was about to say that everyone is entited to their opinion but in this forum it should just be left at the door and put tech before it and help. i updated the post with a picture any one know if its decent quality to make a variable supply out of it?

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 13, 2017, 06:34:57 pm
content: Any decent SMPS will do, distributors like farnell or RS should carry decent ones with plenty of technical information.

author: Seaofdep
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 13, 2017, 07:07:17 pm
content: i have not had any luck finding any information on a psu with only +12v and +52v lines into variable supply .thank you for the help. im just starting out and i appreciate any and all advice

author: Zero999
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 13, 2017, 09:21:59 pm
content: Quote from: Seaofdep on June 12, 2017, 07:08:51 pmYou could add a variable buck regulator, such as the LM2679, to the 12V 5A rail but why not get an adjustable 5V power supply in the first place?http://www.ti.com/lit/ds/symlink/lm2679.pdf

author: P90
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 13, 2017, 11:21:03 pm
content: MS13 members have tattoos

author: Seaofdep
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 13, 2017, 11:28:42 pm
content: im going to buy one when i have the money to spend but either way thought it would be cool to make one as a project and since i have these things laying around with no use why not make one lol, maybe learn a thing or two . and okay thanks for the link by any chance since i have them already, would a lm317 or lm2576 work (i also have some potentiometers .

author: Electro Detective
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 14, 2017, 12:01:52 am
content: Quote from: P90 on June 13, 2017, 11:21:03 pmThose dudes are tough cookies and wear that stuff as a brotherhood vibeand handy indicator for fools to not mess with them.----------------As an aside, it's become impossible to watch a good game of football over hereAll one sees is tattoos painted on steroid pumped gumbies running and bumping everywhere like dodgem cars,with the ball un-viewable or lost amongst all that fleshy grafittiI've given up on it, waiting for the cricket season

author: P90
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 14, 2017, 12:06:33 am
content: Quote from: Electro Detective on June 14, 2017, 12:01:52 amI've given up on society in general...kids covered in tattoos and public display of underwear... god help us...

author: Electro Detective
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 14, 2017, 12:37:41 am
content: shortass 'gangstas' sporting fully loaded diapers with their squeeky voiced females littering our streets are the scariestYou can die laughing

author: P90
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 14, 2017, 12:40:46 am
content: Quote from: Electro Detective on June 14, 2017, 12:37:41 amDeportation is the answer.

author: Electro Detective
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 14, 2017, 12:42:00 am
content: NASA needs to build bigger rockets

author: P90
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 14, 2017, 01:09:30 am
content: Quote from: Electro Detective on June 14, 2017, 12:42:00 amIt's cheaper to build that wall...

author: Electro Detective
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 14, 2017, 01:32:41 am
content: Quote from: P90 on June 14, 2017, 01:09:30 amOne way rockets don't need repairs, security, or donuts

author: P90
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 14, 2017, 01:54:00 am
content: Quote from: Electro Detective on June 14, 2017, 01:32:41 amTouché:-)

author: floobydust
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 14, 2017, 04:03:38 am
content: LM317 does at best 1.5A but many PSU's are using them. It's a good place to start. You lose almost 2V with the IC though.Tattoo machine coils are basically a tank circuit with a switch mechanical oscillator and 22uF-47uF non-polar electrolytic caps to set frequency.These tattoo power supplies are basic but the psychology of them... have to look racy and because that means the artist is edgy etc.Considering tattoos are taboo in china, lots of power supplies and gear for sale there, likealiexpress.$15 power supplies and $200 power supplies.

author: Seaofdep
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 14, 2017, 04:47:20 am
content: its a personal machine and i already have a power supply was told the quality will not work best with the quality of my power supply and i have noticed slight inconsistency with it . i will eventually by one . for now its some hands on learning experience truth and its parts and a psu i dont use so why not . btw i have a lm2576 s will be better than lm317 i have them both . sorry for the newbie questions although i have the pdf i still like to ask

author: Zero999
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 14, 2017, 06:29:15 am
content: Quote from: Seaofdep on June 14, 2017, 04:47:20 amThe LM2576 is your best bet.