Archive of the former Yahoo!Groups mailing list: MOTM

previous by date index next by date
previous in topic topic list next in topic

Subject: OT: stranded vs. solid (was: Power One Power Supply Question)

From: ceres@...
Date: 2001-04-10

--- In motm@y..., "J. Larry Hendry" <jlarryh@i...> wrote:
> Scott, the power supply in the MOTM-900 is a Power-One supply.
> However, Paul has added all the extras you need, like a switch,
> power connection, front panel, PCB to plug in your MOTM modules,
> etc. That makes it simple - plug and play. If you buy the Power
> One supplies separately, you have to supply that support stuff
> yourself. Of course, you can and should get the power
> disctribution PCBs from Paul if you choose that method. If you
> are rack mounting your supply, you might as well buy what Paul
> sells ready to go. If you are doing a wood case and plan custom
> wiring, you can buy a Power One directly and fix up the AC, power
> switch and all just the way you want it. You will need to add
> appropriate fuse protection.

I've bought a couple Power One supplies to use with my other modulars
(1.5A model for the one with tons of LED's), and had no problem
wiring up the switch & FUSED (can't hurt to emphasize this - I HAVE
blown one through stupidity ... see below) cord receptacle. They've
worked great. Unfortunately, I haven't built enclosures for them
(OSHA would probably haul my ass off to jail in a heartbeat), so I
always have to warn people - DON'T stick your hand in the back of the
modular!

Quick question, though (especially since Larry is the high voltage
expert) - what's the deal w/stranded vs. solid wire? I've been using
14ga solid copper wire for the main (800mA or 1.5A) DC out, but
(IIRC) Larry recommends stranded. What's the reason for this? (And,
do I risk screwing things up by using solid?) (And, for that matter,
why is stranded used for all audio applications, from microphone
level to power amp speaker level?)

Thanks,

-Doug
ceres@...