How to Self Power a Joystick

Tech Talk
#1

Ok, I made this new thread, simply because I believe the keywords I used on the title may have been misleading. :confused:

Heres: The old thread, http://forums.shoryuken.com/showthread.php?t=133348

The question is, How can I independently power my joystick, I need low currents, at 5v, 12v standard electronic volts, to power up lights, and anything else I can magically imagine.

I originally thought of using an AC - DC current, however I have no prior knowledge on how to do this, and need help. Basically I am open to suggestions, and how to, to accomplish the goal of independent self powering. So help is greatly appreciated it.

#2

I believe nearly every device eventually uses DC current. AC is just better for transmission across large distances (ie from the powerplant to your house). So if you’ll be tapping an outlet, you’d need an AC adaptor. We’ve all seen these a million times with every electronic device we own. If you observe the little brick, it will tell you what it outputs (voltage & current). You could hack one of these.

Or you could use battery power.

#3

for example:

#4

Perfect

Yes perfect, now I just need to figure out how to make a bridge :rofl:, and to make sure the right volts are going through, thanks bro :wink:

#5

i’m not sure what you are really asking for. if you are looking for an uber flexible solution - then that sounds like a tall order… with much more hardware than can probably fit comfortably in a box. if you are just looking to power a few misc bells & whistles, then i’d just hack an AC adaptor and make your life easy.

just find a spare low power brick (i’m sure i have several just laying around my apt), cut off the connector & re-wire. each brick displays not only amps, but also supply voltage.

#6

My plan has been all along to hack the AC adapter, I just didn’t have an idea how to start, the movie gave me an idea, as simple as it was. Now I want to make a bridge, so I can connect a couple things to the ac adapter, not just one fan per say, like 3 :).

#7

If you really want to keep things flexible - just use a breadboard or terminal/barrier strip (see radioshack).

Remember if you wire in series, amps = const. if you wire in parallel, volts = const.

#8

Ironically I just pulled out a breadboard, and was wondering about it, I made a led breadboard a good while ago.

Anyhow Can you clarify, how do I calculate the amps, volts, and what do you mean series and parallel, thanks this is helping alot!

#9

http://www.allaboutcircuits.com/vol_1/index.html

#10

if your making the stick for ps2, USB power is usually pretty viable. It’ll give you 5 volts.

#11

I looked into that also, by thinking of using a cheap USB hub as reference, then I remembered, the stick is going to be used in xbox too :sweat:. They even have LEDs powered by USB, so I thought of using that but again, the Xbox or Mame would be a problem, although mame, I would have USB ports, damn Xbox :rofl:

#12

Why Thank you, will give a read :lovin:

#13

I thought XBOX used usb in their controllers directly?

#14

pc1x1, you should definitely familiarize yourself with basic electronics (that link is a good start). i don’t mean to sound condesending - but you should really know the difference between series/parallel before you try a custom wiring job like this. but i totally respect and admire you desire to learn.

regarding the ac adaptor - notice the following pictures (my camera’s battery charger & router power supply). i believe all adaptors are required to have similar markings.

input: 100-240V, 11W
output: 4.2V, 1.5A
&
input: 120V, 15W
output: 7.5V, 1A

don’t worry about the input. its the output that you will be interested in (which will vary device by device). and for goodness sake, try not to electricute yourself during this project :wgrin:

http://homepage.mac.com/cramlet/.Pictures/extra/acadaptor.jpg

http://homepage.mac.com/cramlet/.Pictures/extra/acadaptor2.jpg