how to control cold cathodes?

[stringcheeseincident]

i plan on modding a window into my case soon and adding some cold cathodes. i dont have any spare 5.25 or 3.5" bays for fan controllers or any spare pci slots. what should i do about adding a switch to control my lights?

 

[Dawizman]

Many solutions:


1)Make a hole near your power / reset buttons and put a switch there

2) Make a hole above your 5 1/4" bays (either on top of the case, or directly above them.

3) Clapper

4) Some unique - insanely-awesome contraption that comes to you after watching a sci-fi movie.

 

[stringcheeseincident]

is there some sort of contraption i can buy that has switches, that i can leave outside my case with a wire connected to it that runs to my cathodes through a tiny hole in my case?

 

[blip]

Can't think of anything you can buy...but building one would be dang easy.... though personally I think you should us a clapper.

 

[jwill]

Originally posted by blip
Can't think of anything you can buy...

doesnt vantec's nxp 301 and 305 models do that?
http://vantecusa.com/product-peripheral.html#

 

[zCase]

You could get a blank dish like this one;

You can get them here.

You can use a rocker type switch or a toggle type and if you get the right one, there will be no protrusion past the outer edge of the dish. That way the switch doesn't get in the way or if you put it on top like this one;

...you can still put something flat on top of it and it won't hurt anything.

Ken

 

[dewhite]

Speaker cabinet hardware - pretty sweet idea. I hadn't thought of that, or seen it done that way before.

 

[stringcheeseincident]

i have no experience with rigging switches or anything, what skills would doing this require?

 

[silentnight3985]

Not a lot,if u can trace,cut with a rotary tool,and put some self taping screws in,along with know what wire does what your in good shape,also i would solder all wires to the switches and shrink wrap each one for the clean look ....










my web site : www.csrachoppers.tk we build custom mini choppers in any size and shape u want

 

[compslckr]

no skillz required really, just take out the switch that comes with the cathodes, and plug in whatever one that you want to.

there is how the wires go

 

[zCase]

compsickr's diagram is a good one for a basic SPST unlighted switch.

Here is another diagram for an SPST switch which contains an LED or other light source. It is possible to wire the switch so the lamp is on all the time but I think most people only want the switch lighted when the switch is on. That is what this diagram shows.

Hope this helps,

Ken

 

[Ruffy]

ok now do a schematic with a series of relays for controlling multiple cathodes off 1 switch

 

[stringcheeseincident]

see, i already have no clue what the hell you guys are talking about. i dont have a soldering iron nor any previous soldering skills. any easier way to do this?

 

[zCase]

ok now do a schematic with a series of relays for controlling multiple cathodes off 1 switch

I've never had the need or the desire to put more than two tubes on one switch. More control that way.

I'm sure there is someone around who can show you how to do that though.

see, i already have no clue what the hell you guys are talking about. i dont have a soldering iron nor any previous soldering skills. any easier way to do this?

You don't need to solder any of this.

All you need is a crimper and some solderless connectors.

Ken

 

[stringcheeseincident]

so all i need is to rig up a switch between the molex connector and the inverter, to either allow or deny power being sent to the cathodes, correct?

my dad just stopped by and it turns out he has a "die grinder", i searched google for images and he pointed out a dremel. we also have a jigsaw. i plan on modding a window with a fan into my side, and possibly a blowhole on top. and of course a switch for my cathodes now :-d.

where would i get all the parts i need, except for my cathodes, to make this switch-think work? do they make switches i can use that are like this:
http://www.mikhailtech.com/articles/psu/enermax365fca/enermax365fca-06.jpg
(the one that has the I O on it)

 

[compslckr]

check out your local radio shack, they have a good variety of different styles of switches. there must be one that you like that. also auto parts stores have some pretty nice lighted ones that would work for you also

 

[stringcheeseincident]

basically, something like this?
http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog_name=CTLG&product_id=275-730