USB Syncroized 5V@10A power supply POL. Now Taking Orders!!! - Page 3

ReefDonkey · 11-08-2007, 02:04 PM

I am in the final stages of my install and running into a problem with the number of usb devices I am attaching. The voomPC has only four functional usb ports. Of the most common devices attached via USB, which ones are most likely to need a powered hub? I would like to try to use the hubs without a power supply first and then power them later if it becomes an issue. Off the top of my head, here are the USB devices to be used:

VGA monitor with touchscreen
Sirius USB connector to tuner
GPS (probably will not work thru a hub)
TV Tuner
cell phone as modem/charger (probably needs to be powered)
Space Explorer 3D mouse
DVD player
mini Keyboard
HD radio tuner

Before the development of this product, how was lack of usb ports addressed? Thanks for the input!

Beehphy · 11-08-2007, 08:06 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by inh

$80 for a kit.. This is using SMD components, right? Soldering those has got to be a *****..

My productis not a kit. It is a complete and funtional product. plug and play.

And yes, soldering SMD components is a bi@tch! thats why it takes me 4-5 hours to build each one. soldering, machining the chassis and assembling.

Quote: Originally Posted by ReefDonkey

VGA monitor with touchscreen
Sirius USB connector to tuner
GPS (probably will not work thru a hub)
TV Tuner
cell phone as modem/charger (probably needs to be powered)
Space Explorer 3D mouse
DVD player
mini Keyboard
HD radio tuner

Before the development of this product, how was lack of usb ports addressed? Thanks for the input!

The lack of USB ports was the reason for the design of this product. I too had way to many USB devices to run off the 4 standard ports.

For your install I have caatogoraized each piece

Lower power (minimal current draw, could be together on 1 unpowered hub)
VGA monitor with touchscreen (should only be powering the touch logic not the screen)
Sirius USB connector to tuner (just communications, the tuner has own power feed)
Space Explorer 3D mouse
mini Keyboard

High power: (close to 0.5A draw)
DVD player (motor draws a lot on startup)
GPS
TV Tuner
cell phone as modem/charger (cell phones pull all they can to charge)
HD radio tuner

BTW, my psu (either version) draws almost no current from the usb port to turn on, so it could be plugged into a port on the nonpowered hub

So, that means you need 6 ports, or add 1 powered 5Pt and 1 unpowered hub 5pt.

ReefDonkey · 11-08-2007, 08:41 PM

Are you still in the pre-order stage or do you have a product to ship? Either way, count me in. Nice work!

inh · 11-09-2007, 04:19 AM

My mistake, I read that $80 gets an unassembled supply, with manual. Whoops!

I'm in =]

Beehphy · 11-12-2007, 01:12 PM

11/16 UPDATE

The redesign of the 10A version with switched unregulated 12V output is complete. I should still be able to sell finished products for $80. And I may make kits available for $50.

The redesign changed the location of some of the connections. But all serve the orrigional purposes. the "12V" connections are the power input, remote is a 5-50V enable signal input, switched 12V, GND, and 5V are self explanatory. The USB-B plug is also a 5-50V enable signal input. It still has power good, and fail LED's between the USB and screw terminals.

Now i have to round up $100 to build the prototype, 5hrs to build and spend 20hrs testing. I'll keep everyone updated on the progress.

Would anyone like to see a model with a regulated 12V output? A 2-5A 12V output would probably add $20 to the price.

inh · 11-12-2007, 01:21 PM

I would LOVE regulated 12v.. Perfect for powering the LCD

thatslife · 11-12-2007, 04:31 PM

I would agree regulated 12v

seems like your going to have many models of this..

but to make sure the the 12 power inputs are from battery and switched 12 could go to a lcd that can handle unregulated 12. Dont understand where the remote goes to

jakegem · 11-13-2007, 07:00 AM

Quote:

I should still be able to sell finished products for $80.

Quote:

Would anyone like to see a model with a regulated 12V output? A 2-5A 12V output would probably add $20 to the price.

So a unit with regulated +12V and regulated +5V would cost $100? How is that different from this
http://store.mp3car.com/CarNetix_CNX..._p/pwr-012.htm that also includes a fan & shutdown controller for $95?

Beehphy · 11-14-2007, 11:34 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by jakegem

So a unit with regulated +12V and regulated +5V would cost $100? How is that different from this
http://store.mp3car.com/CarNetix_CNX..._p/pwr-012.htm that also includes a fan & shutdown controller for $95?

Mine wouldn't have a fan..? Thanks for pointing that out. I would have been angry if I had developed it for no reason.

Actually My design would have provided more current on the 5V rail and less on the 12V. Probably 5 and 5. I wouldn't have a startup/shutdown controller because it simply follows the computer. My design assumes you have a computer that has that controller built in.

Quote: Originally Posted by thatslife

I would agree regulated 12v seems like your going to have many models of this..

Thats 3 models I proposed
5V, 10A with switched 12V unreg output. 80$ for sure.
5V, 5A bare bones ~$55-70 (design not finished yet)
5V, 5A + 12V, 5A ~$95-105 (design not finished yet)

I could cheaply add a LDO regulator for the 12V regulated ouput, but the problem is, I couldn't guarantee the output would function when the engine is off. The alternator in your car holds the 12V system at ~13.5-14.5V, enough to regulate 12V using a LDO regulator. but on battery alone the cars 12V falls to 12.5V and below, not enough for the LDO to reliably work properly. I could try to simply turn the 12V off if there's not enough to maintain it properly, but that would be a hack solution. also large hits from your subwoofer amplifier would probably cause that output to cut out even under engine power.

Quote: Originally Posted by thatslife

Dont understand where the remote goes to

The remote is an input. you can use the USB plug or the remote input to turn this power supply on. either input can handle a 5-50V input signal to turn on.

Say your setup uses all your avalable USB ports, with none to signal the power supply to turn on. You could splice into the computers 12V rail or the keyboard port (5V) to trigger the power supply to turn on.

Basically what I'm saying, Any time the 5V pin in the USB port or the remote signal raise to 5V, the power supply outputs 5V and the 12V unregulated output turns on.

Application note: You could use the switched 12V pin to turn on your amps with the computer.

inh · 11-14-2007, 11:40 AM

Sounds like it's time to build one PCB, with modularized sections for 12v unregulated and 12v regulated output areas

turbocad6 · 11-14-2007, 12:14 PM

I think the only way 12v regulated can be reliable is if it's stepped up first, then back down. then, even with 9v you'll still have 12v out, if not, then it's not very useful or dependable in a car environment, the 5v of course is fine without this..

MatrixPC · 11-14-2007, 04:45 PM

10A for 5V

Not sure if any of us need that much juice, but if your setup need it, this is the only add-on (POL) that can handle that much.

Not mean to hijack the thread but I already a POL draw up for those who want a little experiment with the soldering iron (after I see you (OP) intended to make a 5A version).
http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/powe...ol-anyone.html
You can build either 5V@5A, 12V@5A, or 5V+12V by using either regulator chip from Maxim or National Semi. The design had proven to work for years (base on my PSU or any old timers who use Mastero/Sproggy PSU.) Very simple to built and doesn't have all the goody from the OP's design. Critical part maybe hard to find.

Price point is a little steep compare to some other POL available from the forum's store like the carnetix or Opus. I know you and I can't get part any cheaper than those big guys to keep the price down. That is why I don't make one to sell

but as a leaning experience instead.

spiro · 11-22-2007, 04:22 PM

Beehphy I tried to contact you I sent you a pm to order a usb psu are you still around?

thatslife · 11-24-2007, 07:01 PM

have any updates beehphy?

Beehphy · 11-25-2007, 03:28 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by thatslife

have any updates beehphy?

Well, I'm building up the next generation 10A, designed for 15A so it better be able to reliably push 10.

I'm selling one to spiro ,at a little higher cost since I cant get any volume discounts. Once he has installed he's going to post a review.

I finished construction of a chassis but haven't printed the stickers yet. I have designed all models to fit into the same chassis. so the picture below is a good representation of the final unit I'll be selling.

I'll have another post later this week with test data of the PSU I'm building for spiro. Now I'm working on the user manual, while I wait for the parts in the mail.