[sdiy] Powering a second bit of kit from same PSU (wiring options)

[random variate]

Thanks for the replies.

So, the SynthDrivers need a minimum of 0.35A per rail (+12v/-12v).  

The PSU I bought is the XP Power PCM50UD07, which delivers 3A and 1A respectively on each output, to 42W max power output.

Do you think that has enough oomph to drive two Synth Driver Units?

Cheers

Tim








----------------------------------------
> Date: Wed, 18 Feb 2015 10:14:21 -0500
> From: nate at paperproductsmusic.com
> To: chris at chrismusic.de
> CC: synth-diy at dropmix.xs4all.nl
> Subject: [sdiy] Powering a second bit of kit from same PSU (wiring options)
>
>> (Well, I'm assuming a simple 2 pin PSU - if you have a "real" PSU with
>> +/GND/-, things are looking much more benign.)
>
> If the proposed power supply has plenty of current for two boxes, it's
> probably not a wall-wart :)
>
> Besides, if:
> "Say for example, both units use a voltage regulator for an artificial
> center ground between both power pins, and use that as a signal ground.
> If both centers are not at the same voltage, you may have kind of a
> short circuit via signal ground."
>
> That would be done in the individual boxes/units/synths/etc and the
> only thing that would be affected would be overall current draw. The
> grounds are otherwise inherently isolated by the voltage dividers and
> regulators. Well, not isolated, but drawing current back through the
> supplies. This is the whole reason NOT to use a DC wall-wart, because
> the power is usually dirty, and hard to calculate overall current draw
> (and therefore supply voltage). At least with an AC wall-wart, the
> supplies are symmetrical. So, as you draw more current the supply
> voltages decrease equivalent amounts.
>
> As you said, this is all besides the point because if it's a
> legitimate power supply (linear transformer based design) it should be
> capable of driving anything you want. As long as you don't exceed it's
> current specifications, of course.
>
> I say go for it. I'd run the other box power cord separately with
> similar gauge wire. If your individual boxes aren't equipped with a
> fuse, that might be a good idea.
>
> Nate
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