PC Power Supply for DIY

[Tony Clark]

> I can get an old IBM PC for $10.  Is the power supply useful for powering a
> synth DIY project?  I would think so.  Would I have to keep the noisy fan?
> 
> Fred

   I wouldn't use one.  PC power supplies typically are good for only 
+5V, as most everything in a computer is run on that.  So the ratings on 
a PC power supply are something like this:  +5V @ 1.5A  +12V @ 0.4A
-12V @ 0.1A.
   Since most synth circuits only use +-12V (or 15) the current 
requirements aren't good enough.  That, and the PC supplies are hideously 
noisy!
   The better bet is to buy a good linear power supply.  I just ordered 
one made by Condor.  It'll push out +-15V @ 3.0A with less than 3mVpp 
ripple.  Now THAT's clean!  And it runs for $91.00 from Allied 
Electronics.

   Tony

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I can't drive (my Moog) 55!
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Tony Clark -- clark at andrews.edu 
http://www.andrews.edu/~clark
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