Power/Power Supply Question

[JesusFreak1959]

Although I've programmed Prop-1's for existing installations, I've never built a prop from scratch.  I need some help with a fundamental electronics/power question.  It appears from Prop-1 dox that the card will drive 24 VDC pneumatic valves (my 1st assumption - please correct me if I'm wrong).  The power supply recommended on the EFX-TEK web site for the Prop-1 says, "12 volt DC, 1 Amp, center-positive power supply that is ideal for the Prop-1, Prop-2, EZ-8, or EZ-3micro..."  If I want to drive several 24 VDC valves, don't I need a 24 VDC power supply?

[JonnyMac]

If I want to drive several 24 VDC valves, don't I need a 24 VDC power supply?

Yes

We have a 12V supply because most of customers are running 12V devices.  You can find 24V supplies through industrial suppliers.  Just heed the documentation: the regulator in the Prop-1 will shut itself down if the voltage exceeds ~30v.  That is to say that you need to ensure that your 24V supply is properly regulated.

Here's an easy way to spot this problem: If you put the power switch in position 2 and you see the V+ LED brightly lit but the normal power LED is not, this means the regulator has shutdown due to over-voltage.

[JesusFreak1959]

OK, thanks for the reply JM.  Good info. 

When you say that I need to ensure that my "...24V supply is properly regulated..." how is this done?  Do I insert something between the 24VDC wall wart and the Prop-1?

[JonnyMac]

No, you need to buy a good supply -- they're expensive, so be careful.  The cheap supplies are usually not well-regulated and can lead to problems.