M4-atx (6-30v) 250 Watt

fritz_fx · 04-03-2008, 07:44 AM

Hey Fellas, I've noticed that nobody has mentioned the M4-ATX here on the forums at all.
So I figured you guys might appreciate a pic or 2 of it.
Dimensions
(L)123mm (W)94mm (H)28mm

M4-ATX Characteristics
Minimum Input Operating. voltage 6V
Maximum input Operating voltage 30V (hard clamping will occur at 34V)
Deep-Discharge shutdown threshold 11.2V
Input current limit (fuse protected) Mini-blade 25A
Max Output Power 250 Watts / 300 watts peak
Deep Sleep Current Consumption. < 1.6mA
Storage and operating temperature -40 to +125 degrees Celsius (storage), -40 – 65C (operating)
MTBF 200,000 Hrs
Efficiency (Input 9-16V) >95%, all rails combined, 50% load.
Input connectors M4 screw terminal
Output Connector ATX Power 24 pin (Molex P/N 39-01-2200) *Unit shuts down when internal temperature sensor indicates > 85C. This value can be changed with software.

Rob Withey · 04-03-2008, 07:59 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by fritz_fx

Hey Fellas, I've noticed that nobody has mentioned the M4-ATX here on the forums at all.

You noticed wrong:

http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/powe...ed-m4-yet.html
http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/gene...mobo-swap.html

etc, etc...

Sonicxtacy02 · 04-03-2008, 09:05 AM

is there no port to access the pic's capabilities? Thats the only thing i wish the m2-atx added personally.

jimmler · 04-06-2008, 11:05 AM

I just ordered one of these, so we'll see how it works out. A couple things I'd like to see in a future release:
1) The option of horizontal or vertical power connections(like Opus does). That right angle ATX is gonna cause me some grief in my installation.
2) A different power input connector. The screw terminals are nice, but in a cramped area, it'd be a pain to tighten. Also that connector sticks way off the board, so again problems for my installation.
3) USB programming instructions. In the downloadable version of the manual, they show the pinout for the connector, but no mention of how to talk to the supply or what you can change once you're connected.
Stay tuned!

jimmler · 04-20-2008, 10:32 AM

The M4-ATX arrived safely. I have only been able to give it a quick test. I currently have it configured as a standard ATX supply and with a beefy 12V bench supply feeding it, it powers up my VIA board, no problem. I have redesigned my layout a bit, so I can make the horizontal power connectors work, but that huge power input block has to go.
As far as support from mini-box.com, they get an "F". Two e-mails and they have not responded to any of my requests for more info on the board. More details as I discover them.

ArcaneDreams · 04-22-2008, 03:07 AM

Its a paper weight for me so far. It doesn't operate correctly. It doesn't seem to work correctly for anyone. And I am going on 2 weeks of waiting for a reply e-mail back...so I wouldn't hold your breath.

Try using your M4 with a 5 second shut down time. My guess is that it will take over 30 seconds to shut down..no matter what you put your dip switches on.

*Note, be very careful when messing with the screw connectors for the power. If you touch the case with the screwdriver as you are unscrewing the positive lead, you may get some sparks..possibly damaging your motherboard/power supply.

muldrick · 05-10-2008, 10:56 AM

I'd have to say not to even mess with it unless power is off.
Any more opinions or feedback on this unit?
Thinking of getting one, ...but...

Fox_Mulder · 05-10-2008, 10:59 AM

The unit is great, the early units had some issues with the firmware, but the new units available now should be fine. I have most of the issues that we have faced with the M4 over here http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/powe...ur-m4-atx.html

GhostRiderDad · 05-14-2008, 03:45 PM

HELP,
I had my M4-ATX working just the other day, and I changed power supply as the battery source, and suddenly, its not working at all. I see the led flashing every few moments(like 15-30 seconds) but when I try to boot up the PC using the standard on/off and not the pulse...nothing happens. I Tried several times to switch power supply battery sources and it still won't work, and the LED is acting the same way. checked voltage to the terminals and its 12+ volts. so what could be wrong? Everything was plugged in and I could not figure out what could be shorting the PS, if at all. Did I manage to kill it? How would I test to see if I did kill it or not ? Anyone else have this issue?

Fox_Mulder · 05-15-2008, 12:35 AM

The LED flashing every 15 seconds I think means it is in the hardoff mode, and therefore it wont allow you to boot up the pc untill you apply a constant 12v to the ignition terminal. Have you tried it in "dumb mode" (all dip switches off) ?

phuz · 05-15-2008, 07:31 AM

If anyone has any idea how to setup the USB programming, I would greatly appreciate it. I figured this unit would at least come with a cable, but no.

Thanks in advance.

Fox_Mulder · 05-15-2008, 07:41 AM

USB Programming? Is this to update the firmware or to change the timing settings?
I have instructions on howto build the USB cable, and build an ICSP to load new firmware over here http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/powe...ur-m4-atx.html

Mini-box told m they were releasing software soon that should allow us to change the timing of the M4 shortly. Until then your M4 will be recognised as a HID device in the Device Manager, and no one has figured out how to talk to it yet. Guess we'll just have to wait for the software

phuz · 05-15-2008, 07:57 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Fox_Mulder

USB Programming? Is this to update the firmware or to change the timing settings?
I have instructions on howto build the USB cable, and build an ICSP to load new firmware over here http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/powe...ur-m4-atx.html

Mini-box told m they were releasing software soon that should allow us to change the timing of the M4 shortly. Until then your M4 will be recognised as a HID device in the Device Manager, and no one has figured out how to talk to it yet. Guess we'll just have to wait for the software

That's what I was looking for. I need to build the cable. So they are actually going to release software to control the PSU settings? Awesome.

GhostRiderDad · 05-15-2008, 09:16 AM

Anyway....I solved my problem...when in doubt...RTFM! I had the ground and ACC wires reversed..so no wonder it would not work. Worked like a charm! I think my firmware is ok...the PC booted up in 5 seconds, and then shutdown within 15 seconds...this was with the setting P1. I made a boot on/off wire from the PS to the motherboard on/off using an old CD-ROM audio wire than I simply cut from 4 pins to 2. I found have a IDC 10 pin with length of ribbon cable, but I'd like have some spare parts so I can tinker more. The thing is...with a company like mini-box..offering a product like this....why didn't they make a cable to sell? I would, and still will buy this, just to avoid the hassle!

It makes no sense why they would release this product, without sufficient means to support it with appropriate accessories.

If it helps, anyone, the M4-ATX PS will fit fairly neatly within a power supply shell casing from a Dell Optiplex GX100. I'm sure there are other PS casings that will work as well. The nice thing about the dell casing is the fan mount. I removed the original fax, and replaced it with a thinner heat sink fan from the CPU. I have yet to figure out how I am going to mount the PS unit inside the computer casing.

i'll keep you informed....I have to create an entry for my project.

phuz · 05-16-2008, 07:40 PM

I'm having some issues with getting this power supply working. I have the #1 dipswitch down, and the #2,3,4 dipswitches off. I have pins 6,7 of J8 hooked up to the power switch pins on the motherboard. When I supply IGNITION power to the M4, it starts flashing, but the computer never turns on. The M4 manual isn't real detailed so not sure where to go from here.

**EDIT**

Ok, I figured out what is going on. Dipswitch #1 down is supposed to be 5 second startup delay, but it is actually taking 60 seconds. Are the settings incorrect in the manual?