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Every hobbyist needs one of these; an ATX power supply made into an inexpensive ben top power supply. Capable of supplying a number of voltages, this simple project will be a center piece for any do-it-yourselfist needing a solution to their power needs in testing and fabricating other projects.

On a standard ATX power supply, the PS_ON pin can be identified by the green wire, number 16. When a computer is turned on, this pin is tied low and gives the PSU a signal to turn on its main voltages. Prior to activating the main voltages, pin 9 being +5VSB and purple, provides a constant +5VDC as a standby voltage and can be capable of delivering an amp or more while main voltage is off. It may be useful as an indicator of AC power or an always-on supply for small loads. Other voltages provided include +3.3, +5 main, +12, -12, and -5. Combining these will yield various other voltages that can be calculated by absolute potential.- ted

With the help of one of my old staff members, we put together a light-sensitive switch for my 97 Taurus’ headlights. It’s perfect for me, since I’m so lazy. Sun goes down, lights turn on. Sun come back up, lights go off. Right now its just on the head lights, I plan to make one to control both the parking lights and the high-beams in the near future. As I make up the other ones, I’ll be sure to list a schematic and part list.

I purchased a snowman that is lit with an LED. The lighting is not bright enough and I want to make it brighter, as well as change colors. This snowman is about 12″ tall and made of crystalized plastic. The bottom has plenty of room to hold whatever lights I desire, but i want to stick with LED’s that are either different colors, or changing colors. These lights should fade from one color to the next with a timer circuit of some sort, either adjustable or preset.