Powering an FRC-like system from a wall outlet

[pilleya]

Hi Eric,

I’ve inputted the numbers into the Linear Motion page of the JVN calculator, and it seems that the Mini-CIM isn’t going to draw a huge amount of current. The calculator gave an answer of around 8-10A( this is lifting the 20lb vertically not horizontally). As long as you don’t intend intend to stall the mechanism or increase the load or speed, a 12v 20A power supply such as this type should work nicely for you:

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/like/1719...pid=107&chn=ps

You should also be able to use an old computer power supply if you have one around. A 350watt PS( if you have a more powerful one use that) should be able to give out 16A on one of the 12v power rail( just look on google to find a chart of the power rail colours). If you need to, you’ll also be able to power any control system parts of the other rails of this computer power supply as well.

The Computer PS will be able to power the C-rio, Robo-rio, RPI or Arduino etc. that you use for generating the PWM signal for the SPARK, which should simplify things for you( again look up the PS on google to find a chart of rail colours and voltages)