Convert Xbox Power Supply to Benchtop 12v Psu

by joshdotk

6.0K6910

Intro: Convert Xbox Power Supply to Benchtop 12v Psu

I'm working on several 12v projects and need a power supply. I had an extra computer psu, and when digging around for parts found an old Xbox unit I thought would be cool.

I decided to use an old Dewalt drill bit case as the remote housing for the switch and power connections. Since the cable carries a switch leg the box can sit on the desk and the converter on the floor, helping with table space.

I dug around in my parts bins and found a switch and two cable terminals from a car audio install. The cable terminals will make connecting devices easy as they accept straight wire or banana posts.

STEP 1: Prepare the Switch Box

I cut a hole for the switch (on the wrong side), hot glued scrap plastic over the hole, then cut a hole on the other side.... derp

I notched the case to fit the Xbox cable stop, which fit perfectly into a 1/2" notch. A little hot glue to help it stay in place.

I drilled 3/8" holes for the cable terminals, hot glued in place

STEP 2: Wire Up the Box

there are 8 wires in the cable, 3 yellow (positive), 3 black (negative), 1 red, 1 blue (switch)

Twist the three yellow wires together and solder a single lead wire to the group of three. This will connect to the cable terminal. Repeat for the black wires.

Put terminals on the red and blue wires, connect each to one side of a switch.

STEP 3: Connect a Peripheral

I used a few leftover banana terminals from a car audio install at the cable connection. They have a screw mount which makes it easy to swap wires. The cable terminals can accept up to 4ga wire as well.

I fired up my first test victim, a 50w Bluetooth audio amplifier. It will be my garage radio audio source and I want to connect and test before I wire and mount everything. Works perfectly for what I need.

10 Comments

Andexler14 7 years ago

Very NICE and SIMPLE. Good job.

sunsuhine 7 years ago

I think it would be better to add the switch to the AC power line or plug and unplug the P/S and not leave it wasting electricity 24-7 plugged in when not needed.

joshdotk 7 years ago

That could be done as well. I have a power strip that I use to plug multiple items on the table, like glue gun, soldering iron, lamp, etc, so when I am done I kill the power to everything at once.

I specifically ran this remote switch box so the power and switch are easily accessible on my bench top and the converter rests on the floor, saving table space

Aeshir 7 years ago

oh wow, is it really that simple?? i'm competent at basic soldering, i never thought it would be enough to use an external power supply for something else like this. do you think i'd be able to use it as a power supply for an 18v cordless drill? i wonder what other uses there are for this.

joshdotk 7 years ago

Super simple, otherwise I wouldn't have managed it! I believe it maxed out at 13v and 12a so I don't think it's adequate for your 18v drill

skepticaljay 7 years ago

Great minds think alike. I did a similar thing for my power and controls box on one of my previous projects. Good job mate. https://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Linear-Driven-Camera-Slider/

Swansong 7 years ago

Thanks for sharing :)