PC PSU

Parts Questions
1

Is it possible to use a standard ATX PSU for a quad SID system? It delivers 12 and 5 volts if I remember right… So if I use 8580 SIDs it should not be a big problem or…?

thanks.

2

Hi!

In theory it’s possible to use a computer psu.

But the 8580 needs 9 volts to run. One could easily use a voltage regulator to get 9 volts out of 12.

Another big problem is that computer psu’s are switching power supplies. That introduces a lot of “switching noise” into an analog audio circuit, which is something you definitely don’t want.

I don’t really know enough about analog circuit design to tell you whether there’s a way to reduce the noise. I’d prefer using the old C64 psu.

Regards,

Dr. Nick

3

There are ways, but you would have to put a lot of effort in there (including complete shielding of the PSU and a lot of big caps…) .

Switching supplies are definetely not the kind of supplies you want for any analoge stuff. Especially when the analoge stuff should make sounds not including much of noise…

4

Thanks!

I do NOT want to try using a PC PSU then!

I’m not a GOD in electronics design. In fact I don’t know much about it for now - I am totally dependent on schematics - for now… So I won’t try making a noise reduction thing either… Too much effort - too little to gain…

But just one question… What is a switching power-supply? I didn’t even know there was such differences i PSUs…?

Thanks!

5

See:

http://www.midibox.org/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?board=parts_q;action=display;num=1054271159;start=20#20

and

http://www.midibox.org/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?board=parts_q;action=display;num=1045138790;start=10#10

For info about the different types of power supplies.

Have fun!

SmashTV

6

is it a real problem using a switching PSU in analog stuff?? I use one to test my adc/adat project… at the scope the voltage seems very good…