Has any one had any luck converting a standard PC power supply to a DC to DC unitl?

**pronerd** · 02-06-2005, 02:29 PM

Hi,

In doing some preliminary research for my car PC project everything I have read has said trying to build a DC to DC power supply is not worth it. And have suggested buying an off the self unit. I was wondering if any one has any luck trying to convert a standard PC Power supply to a DC to DC.

I ask because I have 3 350w units collecting dust that I would like to use for something.

Thoughts?

**FyreDaug** · 02-07-2005, 08:35 AM

I extremely highly doubt its possible.

**jcdillin** · 02-07-2005, 08:37 AM

someone did it, they had to rewind the transformer, from what I remember it was noisy and didnt have a whole lot of power.

**TruckinMP3** · 02-07-2005, 05:18 PM

I think OPUS is the answer you are looking for

**Tidder** · 02-07-2005, 05:18 PM

Yeah, not possible if I remember right, cause the AC side converts to alot higher voltage than 12v dc. It jumps it pretty high, then the DC part takes that and steps it down to the 12, 5, and 3.3 stuff. From what I've read anyway.

**meddler** · 02-07-2005, 09:05 PM

It can be done. There were a couple of sites around that showed it done, but none of them gave you a real lot of detail on how to complete the mod successfully. You need to know exactly what you are doing before you embark on trying this. My suggestion is, that unless you are very experienced in electronics, I would lokk at other options. The best two options are look at Mastero's kit or buy a commercial unit (read opus).

**cheesyhoward** · 02-08-2005, 02:59 AM

presslab

Will return loads of threads about rewinding transformers. Not done it myself though.

**TruckinMP3** · 02-08-2005, 06:43 AM

Do you really what to risk it? You could damage yourself and any component to hooked up to it.

**grahamrb** · 02-08-2005, 06:51 AM

There is definately a post somewhere on this forum about it coz I remember looking into it. There are various tutorials and yes, they involve winding a transformer. I would imagine it would be difficult to follow a tutorial on this as most power supplies are different inside (although they would have the same basic configuration).

**crazymadbastard** · 02-08-2005, 01:40 PM

Originally Posted by Tidder

Yeah, not possible if I remember right, cause the AC side converts to alot higher voltage than 12v dc. It jumps it pretty high, then the DC part takes that and steps it down to the 12, 5, and 3.3 stuff. From what I've read anyway.

this is the way I always thought the ac p/s worked. Seems doable.