CCTV 12vDC Power Supply

**BassTeQ** · 12-02-08, 05:07 PM

Hi all, I'm looking for a power supply to run up to 4 cctv cameras.

Would this do the job ?
Jaycar part num MP3102
12VDC 25 WATT SWITCHMODE POWER SUPPLY

Thanks

**James** · 12-02-08, 06:13 PM

check what each cam's current is drawing (sticker on cam or existing power pack) and then make sure the powerpack is big enough to run 4.

**BassTeQ** · 13-02-08, 11:54 AM

Thanks for the reply

**ecu-man** · 13-02-08, 12:14 PM

Iv been using a computer ATX power supply for a few years now with no problems.

**Jalorathis** · 13-02-08, 02:00 PM

Computer powersupplies i find are great powerpacks. i have been using one to power a 300w car amp for about a year now. works great on me desk.

Just clip the green wire from the 20/24 pin loom and stick under a screw in the case, turns the PSU into a beefy transformer that turns on whenever you plug it in. or find one with a switch, then you can turn it off without unplugging.

Jalorathis

**BCNZ** · 13-02-08, 10:31 PM

Without even knowing what the cameras draw, I'd say NO, it's not big enough.
25 watts is only 2A at 12 volts, which would really only provide just under 500mA per camera (with a small margin) and that's definitely not enough. IIRC, colour cams (decent ones with adjustable lenses etc) need at least an amp to run adequately.
Then again, most of the ones I've used lately have the IR Leds built in and they do draw quite a bit of juice on their own, probably more so than the camera.

**BassTeQ** · 14-02-08, 02:24 PM

Originally Posted by Jalorathis

Computer powersupplies i find are great powerpacks. i have been using one to power a 300w car amp for about a year now. works great on me desk.

Just clip the green wire from the 20/24 pin loom and stick under a screw in the case, turns the PSU into a beefy transformer that turns on whenever you plug it in. or find one with a switch, then you can turn it off without unplugging.

Jalorathis

Thats a great idea, and probably cheaper then buying something specially suited for cctv applications.

So if I earth the green wire so it stays on,
The yellow is 12v, and any black wire for the earth should do?

**TZB** · 14-02-08, 03:12 PM

Originally Posted by BassTeQ

So if I earth the green wire so it stays on,
The yellow is 12v, and any black wire for the earth should do?

Yep, just remember you'll get voltage drop on long cable runs.

**Jalorathis** · 14-02-08, 10:38 PM

yep, thats the one. check the voltage at the other end of the run to ensure the voltage doesnt drop too low over the long runs and with the circuit loaded.

The wire 'should' be green, if you hold the big 20/24pin loom with the plug end facing you and the clip on the right, it should be 1 or 2 up from the top of the clip and have black above and below. Now you have 2 options, clip green wire and short to power supply casing, or, clip all wires except a few yellow and black ones back to the PSU casing and short the green onto a screw, then put a little wiring block on the top to make it neat and easily changed should it require it.

Jalorathis

**BassTeQ** · 03-04-08, 05:40 PM

Just updating what I've tried, I shorted the green wire to the case, and the PSU turns on, great! But it wont boot up!!
The fans and everything turn on, but it just wont start!

Any Ideas?

Thanks

**BassTeQ** · 10-04-08, 05:34 PM

Anyone?

**Jalorathis** · 10-04-08, 09:20 PM

By 'It wont boot up', do you mean that there is no voltage on the 12v line?

If so, it could be one of the power supplies that need something else other than just the green shorted. (I dont know how to force them on exactly).

All the cheapy $50 PSU's i have seen are happy to start with just the green shorted.

This page should help.

Jalorathis

**BassTeQ** · 14-04-08, 02:02 PM

Hi Jalorathis, thanks for the reply.

The power supply starts up, the CPU fan starts, all "looks" good, but it will not initiate a boot.

I'm going to try and just leave the green wire intact and short that to the case, maybe the mobo is looking for the green wire to be there? Not too sure.

It is a cheapy thermaltake PSU, $45.

Cheers

**Jalorathis** · 14-04-08, 02:31 PM

Personally, i wouldnt be running it from within a computer.

If it is in a computer, just use the normal power switch.

I would be getting another PSU for the job.

Jalorathis

**BassTeQ** · 15-04-08, 11:51 AM

Hi Jalorathis, I probably should have clarified, I've veered off the topic a little. I actually bought a separate swicthmode power supply for the cameras.
But I want to mod the power supply in the PC, so in the event of a power outage, the PC will auto start when power is available.
Thanks again for your help!

**nopro** · 10-05-08, 01:52 AM

I run 6 cameras of one of these no problems and you can trust this guy

**Chimp** · 10-05-08, 09:14 AM

12v 8amps is heaps for 6 normal cameras

**biggeorge** · 10-05-08, 09:52 AM

Bassteq: that is a feature of the motherboard bios.

I have used a computer power supply to run cameras. You simply buy a molded disk drive plug from jaycar, and solder a wire and appropriate plugs onto the 12v and earth pins so that it can be plugged into your cameras. No need to cut the green wire on the motherboard plug if you are going to be using the power supply in the computer at the same time.

If you are using the power supply as a standalone power supply, you need to cut the green wire and ANY black wire, join them up with a switch, twist together, solder, Whatever.... and this gives the signal to turn on the power supply.

As standalone, you should still make up some plug adaptors as above.