After abandoning an old computer (or breaking it), there are modules and parts that should not be thrown away, as they manage to find useful uses. The most suitable for this is a switching power supply, which has good performance (sufficient power and good load capacity).
One of the options for its application is the manufacture of a universal charging station for 5 and 12 volts.
Preparatory activities
Before proceeding with the manufacture of the charging module, be sure to check the functionality of the used unit. To do this, you need to take the connector to the "motherboard" and install a jumper between the sockets to which conductors in black and green insulation are connected (photo below).
After that, it will be possible to start the power supply without necessarily connecting it to the PC. Then you should connect the power supply unit to the mains and make sure that operating voltages appear on the corresponding terminals. They are measured between the strips with black lead (common) and orange, red and yellow insulated leads.
The available voltages are distributed as follows:
- The yellow wire means +12 Volt supply.
- Red corresponds to +5 Volts.
- A wire in orange insulation is +3.3 Volts.
After making sure with a multimeter that all voltages are at the appropriate terminals, you can proceed to the next stage - cleaning the insides of the power supply unit from dust and dirt.
What is required additionally
To turn an old PSU into a universal charger, you will need:
- Two pairs of crocodile type connectors insulated.
- Two paired USB connectors (female).
- Small plastic box.
- Soldering iron, pliers and multi-colored insulating heat pipe.
In addition, you need to prepare a clerical knife, as well as a marker and a gun with liquid glue. And of course, the PC power supply itself.
Assembling the charger for 5 and 12 volts
The assembly begins with the arrangement of the wires, at the end of which crocodile connectors are soldered or any that replace them. To do this, carefully cut off the detachable harness, and on the corresponding ends, pre-stretch the protective covers removed from the connectors. After that, you will need to strip the insulation of the conductors and solder the connectors, matching them in color. This is required in order to distinguish the charging lines from one another.
12 Volt supply wires are highlighted with a yellow tube, and 5-volt ones are red. 3.3 Volts is not used in this case. So that when charging, the paired wires do not intertwine with each other - it is recommended to wrap them with colored electrical tape. At the final stage of the assembly, two already soldered USB connectors are taken, and then fixed on the lid of a plastic box taken out to the outside (each for its own power supply).
At this, the assembly of the structure can be considered complete. To check its operability, it is enough to connect the load and make sure that there is a charge.