>Hi Jeff, >I have been in the electronic service business since 1954 & in my >judgment, you should buy a Volt-ohm-milliamp meter & learn how to >use it. >It will be a lot more versatile. >Regards Wm. > > >--- On Tue, 3/17/09, MacGuy <[email protected]> wrote: > >> From: MacGuy <[email protected]> >> Subject: Power supply tester >> To: [email protected] >> Date: Tuesday, March 17, 2009, 9:29 PM >> Would this little guy work for Apple OEM power supplies? and >> if not, >> anybody seen one out there for macs? >> >> http://www.directron.com/pst03.html#caption >> >> Jeff Engle > > Kamiah Idaho 83536 >>
Hi Jeff; I agree with Wm. I spent many years designing, building and testing power supplies. I have designed and built several power supply testers. Since the 1950's also. From a 12KW Supply for a Vacuum Tube Room Size Computer to small on PC Board single voltage supply to power one Dual in-line Logic chip. For general trouble-shooting a Volt-Ohm-Ammeter / Milliamp meter is the most economical approach. The device shown in the Web-Link seems to be only a Connector, Case and a switch to select which outputs to read. They do not say at what current load the power supply is tested; it is probably set to be just enough to ensure stable operation of an ATX Supply in good condition. If the Power Supply is tested installed. I don't see that as being switchable in the picture. If all you want to know is : "Does it work?" a Volt Ohm Meter is adequate since you would be testing with the Power Supple installed and loaded by the Computer circuity at the load for all outputs set at the normal for that Computer. In that case: "Does the fan run or the Lights light?" No one fixes computer power supplies and if they did a more complete line of Instruments would be needed. You would be looking at thousands of dollars. If you are testing a stand alone power supply you will need to know if it is spec'ed to run at no load on all outputs or if not you will need to know what loads on what outputs will guarantee proper operation. This applies to all some Switch Mode Topologies but not all. Linear supplies are another story. On stand alone's a variable AC Transformer might be helpful. You can gradually increase the input AC to avoid nasty smoke and exploding Capacitors. Spring Clips to Banana Plug test leads long enough to reach into the computer from the meter can help avoid slipping test prods that can really ruin your day. I hope this is not to confusing. It's past my bed time. HTH, ErnieG --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed Low End Mac's G3-5 List, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list?hl=en Low End Mac RSS feed at feed://lowendmac.com/feed.xml -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
