My LED matrix power needs are spiralling out of control and it looks like I am going to need around 1500w for the signage I am making.
Is it ok to post power questions here? Please move/delete if not.
I’ve been using these power supplies: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DC12V-IP67...7_rhyOnECNzOTw
They are heavy though and this is a big disadvantage for me as I’m hoping to hang the power and the whole matrix from catenary wire.
I’m wondering about buying a larger number of xbox power supplies: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/AC-Brick-A...AAAOxySoJTWPH-
Or maybe I should go for non waterproof power supplies - I’m probably going to put them in a waterproof enclosure anyway. I get worried about putting supplies with fans in a box with no vents though. Although other people don’t seem so bothered by this.
Does anyone know of any pros/cons either way?
Thanks
Break the “strip” down in to manageable segments from a power requirment point of view. And use suitable fuses (or poly fuses) to protect the run and the strip. 12v @ 1.5kw will provide its own light show if a fault occurs on the line.
Be aware that lots of SMPS together may give you some grief with GFI protection depending on their circuitry.
Consider your load. If your display occasionally flashes all the leds full on white, you need a PSU that cN handle that demand, and be aware of the reluctance of the cable to the leds.
Dont cheap out on the psu. You will get what you pay for.
I was thinking of running the pixels at half power - 36W Max per string of 100 - and injecting power every 200 pixels at both ends. I would have a 250 or 300w power supply for every 600 pixels.
Planning on 5 runs like this driven by octows2811.
I am aware of the risks for sure.
Don’t know much about power supplies though. Are they all switching mode or are there other types? The ones I link too seem to be generic unbranded from China. Presumably this is a bad idea?
Linear power supplies are the ones with a big heavy transformer in. They run hot, they are expensive, and very big (for the requirements you have) and wasteful.
Nearly all PSUs today are SMPS and they vary from the absolute minimum to supplies that have lots of protection, and can be run into short circuit with no ill effects, run in hot environments, handle induced spikes from lightning or back emf on the mains and will fail gracefully.
Try and buy a good brand PSU from a reputable dealer (yes, there are fakes). The cheap Chinese PSUs vary wildly in their build quality. It can be a real gamble. Both in terms of its longevity but also in its propensity to kill you.
You could have one big PSU, but then you will need bigger cable to handle the current or as you suggest multiples. Just remeber to common the grounds. And be careful about ground being tied to earth. Another unexpected potential for short circuit.
I was looking at these power supplies - http://ooznest.co.uk/3D-Printer-Electronic-Parts/Power-Supplies/12V-360W-Power-Supply
Now I’ve found out the weight might be not such an issue for me so I might stay with the ones I have as they are waterproof. I have used them before with no issues.
@Gavin_Morris where are you? USA, UK?