[sdiy] connectors for power

[TIm Daugard]

Roy,


> While we're on the subject of connectors,  what do all of you home-brewers use
> to distribute power among variout modules and boxes and such?

> Say for example I have a dual-output 15 volt supply _and_ a 5 volt supply for
> things like some logic, LEDs, etc...

I use Molex type connectors for power - large, easy to connect, and inexpensive
if bought in bulk. Pins are on the order of 6 cents each in quantities of 100
from Mouser. I use two pin power +12V and ground. Connector bodies are on the
order of 10 - 20 cents. One module with its associated power cable end runs less
than 50 cents for power connections.

I use a single supply voltage so that CMOS Logic ICs and analog ICs are running
at the same voltage levels. This limits me to 15 Volts power. If you are just
starting, I would avoid 5V logic. The one or two places is absolutely necessary,
I put a TO-92? size regulator in the module and then decouple it from the power
supply with a 100 ohm resistor and a 100 uF cap as a power supply filter / local
current source. Not necessarily the best way to do it, but I find myself often
being unconventional compared to others on this list.

This list is great for making people twist there thinking and rethinking ideas.

BTW: I use 12 volts because I can't find a transformer that will fit in my
standard module form factor that will allow a higher voltage. I want a 60 Hz
transformer - 1.5 inches per each side of the cube that will put out 20-24 volts
@ 1 amp. (I know, that size doesn't have the core area to handle that much
power.)

Tim Daugard
30.4078N 86.6227W