Talk:Choosing a Power Supply for your RepRap
AndrewBCN 20/10/2014
First a disclaimer: I am not associated in any way with any power supply manufacturer and have no bias of any kind toward any particular brand.
The purpose of this page is to supplement the PCPowerSupply page in this wiki and eventually replace it with a newer, more up-to-date version.
A couple of remarks here: I am of the opinion that it is much better to buy a new inexpensive ATX PSU and modify it for RepRap use, than to buy a cheap LED strip PSU. Cheap LED strip PSUs are imho a safety hazard, much more so than a new inexpensive ATX PSU. I am appalled by the fact that some commercial RepRap kits and printers are sold with cheap LED strip PSUs!
BTW obviously none of the RepRap kit and printer sellers will describe the PSU included in their product as an "LED strip PSU", it will usually just be sold as a 12V switching power supply with a given power rating. How many RepRap users are in a position and have enough information to question the performance, reliability and safety of a switching power supply? Not many, unfortunately.
Another personal opinion: reusing an old ATX PSU (instead of spending $30 to $45 for an inexpensive but new ATX PSU) is a most unwise decision - a lesson I have learned the hard way! ATX PSU circuits have very much improved in the last couple of years (2013-2014) and the few dollars saved are just not worth the hassle and safety hazards associated with reusing old ATX PSUs in RepRap projects.
I will show later in this page:
1. What to look for in a new but inexpensive (by which I mean, within your budget) ATX PSU for your RepRap project. (Done 20-10-2014)
2. How to modify in a few quick steps an inexpensive ATX PSU for RepRap use. (Work In Progress)
3. Also a method to use the ATX PSU of your choice with any RepRap printer, that does not require any modification to the PSU and does not void its warranty.
- Excellent! However, I see you tend to duplicate stuff from the PCPowerSupply page. I'd remove this complicated lab PSU conversion there and insert these simpler instructions from here. --Traumflug (talk) 03:28, 21 October 2014 (PDT)
- Thanks! Will do.
AndrewBCN 22/10/2014
A couple of notes about the Tacens Radix Eco 500W ATX PSU that I am using as an example, before people jump on it thinking that I am recommending it:
- It is the least expensive ATX PSU with Passive PFC that I could find on Amazon.es, that is why I chose it. But the truth is, it is just barely one notch above the cheap noname stuff.
- I honestly doubt this Tacens would be able to supply 500W in a continuous fashion even at room temperature. But the good thing is we only need about 240W from its 12V rail for our RepRap.
- This Tacens model is acceptable for RepRap use, but I would definitely not recommend it for any PC build.
- In Europe, I would recommend Be Quiet ATX PSUs for RepRap use, or Corsair or Antec.
- In the US, again Corsair and Antec, but also Seasonic and XFX. All these brands manage to manufacture decent products even in their value lines.
I'll use a Be Quiet ATX PSU in the No Modifications example.
AndrewBCN 22/10/2014
Here is an example of a cheap LED strip PSU which can be ordered from China for $18.95 (shipping included!):
Here is how the seller describes it:
12V 20A 240W switching power supply led strip light transformer
Input Voltage: AC110V-240V Output Voltage: 12V Power:240W
General Specification
Input Voltage: AC110V-240V
Output Voltage: DC 12v
Output Current: 0~20A
Net Weight: 500g
Dimensions: 200*112*51mm
Shell Material: Metal case / Aluminum case
Safety Compliance: CE /Rohs
High price-effective, reliability with industry standards
Built-in over voltage, over current, and short circuit protection
Working Temperature: 0~40C
Storage Temperature: -20~60C
Ambient Humidity: 0~95% Non-Condensation
The seller is honest enough to described it as an LED strip PSU - and that is exactly what it is. Note the absence of a fan, power cord and On/Off switch, no mention of PFC and no mention of over temperature or surge protections (none of which are really required for LED lighting purposes).
Again: I personally do not recommend the use of an LED strip PSU for RepRap projects. The Tacens ATX PSU I ordered from Amazon.es cost me just a few euros more than this LED strip PSU, was delivered in 48h to my door and is a much, much better option imo. And the Be Quiet ATX PSU which I am going to use in the No Modifications example is even better, of course.
