HHO Lab Experiments ATX Power Supply from Computer

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Hi guys

Im new to experimentation with HHO, but have read about it and had an idea on the theory for a while now. The Interent is so good for inspiration and new ideas.

Here's a YouTube video I found by a guy who does lots of experiments with alternative energy including HHO and GEET and others.

It's how to use an old ATX power supply as a LAB power supply.
Get this, it will give you 5 Volts DC at an amazing 30 amps, and 12 Volts DC at 17 amps.

I just did it with an old one last night. Just tidying it up for now.

I do warn the novice, this is not for BRUTE FORCE DC HHO generation where you might want to get it up high current. It's more for the electronics pulsing, such as with a 555 timer chip etc. For some of those Brute Force HHO, are pumping 12VDC at 45 Amps. I have no idea what protection there is for this Power Supply for short circuits or high current overload. But it does have a fan, which is more than most power supplies.

It is easy going to make the mods.

Here is the YouTube Video and the "Wiki How To" link for instructions. If you really want to do a better job, you can build the regulation circuit for it also at Wiki and get 22 VDC, but the current is a lot less. More voltages are available as decribed at the link.

This is at least a starting point to do some HHO testing so long as you don't do too high in the current.
Next I am thinking of building a current limiter and protection circuit for it all in one. We have come a long way from the old HAM radio guys sharing technical information with the internet and videos, its just fantastic stuff. Im just an electronics tinkerer, with Electrical Trades and electrical switching circuits as my apprenticeship. I also program computers, and make electronics kits. I am hoping to learn a lot more about electronics fault diagnosis online, and who knows, I might come up with some of my own electronics circuits. I can design some basic ones. It seems many here have similar interests and backgrounds, with specializations, and others are complete newbies. Together we can make a difference, I believe, and really come up with new ideas.

Converted Computer ATX Power Supply to Lab Power Supply Unit
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFNEJBK3EsM


How to Convert a Computer ATX Power Supply to a Lab Power Supply
http://www.wikihow.com/Convert-a-Computer-ATX-Power-Supply-to-a-Lab-Power-Supply
{quote}The voltages that can be output by this unit are 24v (+12, -12), 17v (+5, -12), 12v (+12, 0), 10v (+5, -5), 7v (+12, +5), 5v (+5, 0) which should be sufficient for most electrical testing.{/quote}


How to Add Variable Voltage to Your ATX Based Bench Power Supply
http://www.wikihow.com/Add-Variable-Voltage-to-Your-ATX-Based-Bench-Power-Supply
{quote}You should be able to vary the voltage from about 1.5V up to 22V by turning the variable resistor. If you are using the LM317 the output current will be restricted to 1.5A, if using the LM338K it should be slightly higher check the datasheet for exact information. {/quote}


I am hoping to eventually get a CRO and Frequency Counter.
I notice Dick Smith Electronics has a digital readout display for making voltmeters, ammeters and other uses for only $13. So that might be a good addition to the power supply.