Hi All,
I was in the process of using a computer 12V power supply to power an Xbox kinect, but opted to just buy the $7 cable that goes into the wall instead.
Now I have a PSU that is perfect for making an adjustable (up to 12V) desktop power supply. In looking online, it was suggested that using a 10W or 20W resistor as a part of the circuit is required. Google searches have identified that some audio equipment might be a source of these resistors.
I often visit thrift shops to see if there are any robot related parts I can salvage, and I would be interested if anyone could point me in the direction of where 10W or 20W resistors could be found? They cost around $4 on ebay, which is also the price that a local thrift shop charges for electronic devices (dsl modems, vcrs, tape decks, stereos, clock radios). So i'd like to see if i can salvage it from a device first, before purchasing a new one. I may also be able to score terminals and pots with knobs as well.
I have a DC buck boost regualtor that can go up to 30V but only 2 or 3A. So i think i can just jam a volt/ammeter dispaly into the PSU, as well as this buck boost, some terminals and an adjustmet pot, and then have a 3V, 5V, 12V, and then an adjustable voltage part that uses the digital meter.
The 10W resistor is to provide some type of necessary load internally somewhere.
So if anyone knows where to salvage these resistors, or has made a variable PSU with digital volt and ammeter display, please share your experience!