12v power supply for multiple 320ma-500ma devices (8)

Thread Starter

subcollec

Joined Nov 12, 2011
1
Hello everyone,

I need help with an experiment that I might apply.

I'm trying to DYI build a 12v power supply for multiple 320mA/500mA security cameras.

I'm thinking about starting with this...

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11854376#tabsetBasic

... since Radio Shack is down the street, it provides ±1.2~24VDC regulated at 1A.

I'll be breaking out the +/- to eight separate +/- terminals to power the cameras.

I need to know how to build that separation properly, safely, and efficiently. It can't be that I just connect all 8 negative leads to the negative post and all 8 positive leads to the positive post, can it?
 

paulktreg

Joined Jun 2, 2008
833
If I'm reading this right you need to power up to eight cameras @ 500mA each so that's 4A, add a little extra headroom and I'd suggest a 12V power supply capable of 6A minimum. You can just simply connect all eight +ve and -ve leads to the power supply if you wish but one faulty camera could shut the power supply down and take the other cameras out. If you want a little extra safety you could install a 1A fuse in line with each camera +ve supply.
 

SgtWookie

Joined Jul 17, 2007
22,230
Hello subcollec,
I suggest avoiding using that type of supply for something that's going to be on 24/7, as it won't be very efficient, and it's not robust enough to meet your requirements to start with.

You have 8 cameras that each can draw up to 500mA apiece; 0.5A x 8 = 4 Amperes. You need at least a 20% safety margin, as you don't want to operate any electronics at 100% of its' rating. So, you need a 5A supply, as 4A/80% = 5A.

MPJA has just what you need:
http://www.mpja.com/12VDC-5A-4-Output-Camera-Supply/productinfo/18682+PS/
A 12v, 5A regulated switching supply, for less than you'd pay for the kit.

I've bought from them several times; they ship very quickly and their stuff is as advertised.
 

bountyhunter

Joined Sep 7, 2009
2,512
Wow. 60W regulated supply for $18 complete.... it would cost 3X that much to build it. Now I remember why we never competed in the under 500W power supply market.... China's slave labor is too efficient to price below.
 
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