Passively Cooled Web-Server

[bradburts]

High voltage maintainance should not be attempted by anyone who is not qualified or is at least suffering from deep depression.

Seriously, I don't think that we should be going here in a forum for a projec which has a target audience of school kids.
The mod can be done other safer ways so lets focus on those.
My PSU doesn't even have screws, only rivets. That tells you something.

[mobeyduck]

Quote from bradburts on December 19, 2011, 23:29
High voltage maintainance should not be attempted by anyone who is not qualified or is at least suffering from deep depression.

Seriously, I don't think that we should be going here in a forum for a projec which has a target audience of school kids.
The mod can be done other safer ways so lets focus on those.
My PSU doesn't even have screws, only rivets. That tells you something.
+1

If you know how it works its fine if your unsure about it DO NOT DO IT. NEVER!

And whats wrong with just making a switch in the powercord or a power block with a switch, way safer way easier and if you buy a good one its even insured.

btw, I'm not saying the insured ones are always good, had one that was so safe when i flipped the switch the whole house would be without power and then im thinking "didn't i had a light on?"

[obarthelemy]

NEVER, EVER OPEN A POWER SUPPLY.

NOR SUGGEST IT IN A THREAD STARTED BY A KID.

Seriously guys, stop playing macho man for a second and think of the children.
I removed MG2R's 2 post to that effect. Let's be safe.

[ajford]

@obarthelemy: While I agree with the fact that it can be dangerous, it's equally as dangerous checking the transmission fluid on your car! I find telling someone to NEVER do something to be opposite the purpose of RasPi: getting people interested in hardware and electronics.

I successfully opened and modded a PSU into a bench power supply at the age of 14. Having very little pocket money, it was a great solution, and allowed me to start getting into electronics.

Rather than discourage, which will either prevent someone from learning down the road or will cause them to do it just to prove themselves capable, you should enlighten. Point out links to safety discussions, proper tutorials, etc.

By all means, mention the dangers, but enlighten, don't discourage.

[sylvan]

Quote from obarthelemy on December 20, 2011, 01:54
NEVER, EVER OPEN A POWER SUPPLY.

NOR SUGGEST IT IN A THREAD STARTED BY A KID.

Yeah, what he said!

(Because everyone knows kids cannot use google.)

[pupil160]

Ummm... I have seen what small camera capacitors can do.Ouch ^+1

[pupil160]

A thread is showing how to power pi from psu. It suggests to "open the unit and trim all the cables." Safety?

[bradburts]

Just to wrap this one up.

Do not open a mains powered PSU unless you are qualified or have some trained & responsible first hand (he's in the room) guidance.

Breaking down some of the problems with modifying a PSU:

1) 'I did it and I am OK'
Unless you buy a ouija board the ones who died cannot tell you that was not OK.

2) You don't know the instructor
He could be Mr Bean for all you know. Would you trust Mr Bean's advice?

3) You do not know the pupil
See above.

On too the booring legal stuff.....
4) It is illegal in the UK to make a modification to even simple building's wiring unless you are qualified.
There is a reason for this....

5) In the UK you must electrically test & certify all mains powered electrical equipment.
You will not have a PAT tester so again, don't.

So PSU modification is for those who already know (and will have the right equipment) or for those who are suffering from deep depression and have choosen to end it all.

I would bet that should anyone feel the need and then post around one of the Broadcom or hardware gurus then they would be only too happy to show a nice safe DC alternative.

PS
Even if you were to believe that the risks are small (the risks will vary with your experience, the PSU itself etc) the consequences can be very high.

[pupil160]

And on that happy note...

Note. What is royal mail like arround this time. The case was dispatched on Friday, 4-6 days esimate. Is this realistic?

[walney]

Errr - no.

[bradburts]

Think positive
The world bends to your will.........(according to latest quantum mechanical thinking anyway)

[walney]

Evidence suggests otherwise

[pupil160]

Why am I suddenly reminded of the film inception
Note. What is your estimate of delivery time

[pupil160]

Why am I suddenly reminded of the film inception
Note. What is your estimate of delivery time

[bradburts]

Woooo, pupil just suffered a distortion in space time, double post! Must mean his stuff will arive on time.
PS Don't ask me, I would have to be negative or lie, neither of which is positive

[pupil160]

Doubble post? what I didnt...

Errr. The Matrix?

[bradburts]

Could be, take the red pill & think positive...

Good luck with you're build & do post how your website etc gets on.

[pupil160]

I hate royal mail sometimes. Paid
Right. Im off to the venting thread BRB

[walney]

4 - 6 days usually means business days, and it will be parcel post since it's a reasonably large package. That puts delivery at Thursday/Friday. Which is going to collide with a lot of Christmas post.

So, look on the positive side. You won't really be missing out because you don't have a Pi to put in it (it is only a tin box after all... get stuck into the Quality Street and you could have a round case ready in no time )

[pupil160]

Quality street?, No, I prefer Mince Pi

Note. I need to get prepared for the pi early so I can figure out what else I need to buy in advance.(Who isn buying straight after the launch

[bradburts]

[(it is only a tin box after all... get stuck into the Quality Street and you could have a round case ready in no time )

Good idea.
Mum, I need to buy a tin of Quality Street. Why? So that I can study computing!

[obarthelemy]

Pi Shopping list:

- Pi ^^
- USB Keyboard
- USB Mouse (or combined keyboard+mouse, more expensive but more practical and might save a hub)
- 4GB+ SD Card
- Ethernet cable
- You'll also need an HDMI, DVI-D or DVI-I or composite screen, with the appropriate cable, respectively regular HDMI, HDMI to DVI, HDMI to DVI again, and... I don't know what's needed for composite.

Then 2 options:

1- If you'll be needing a USB hub:
- Powered USB Hub (one good enough to supply power and be reliable, but bad enough to supply power even before being asked for it... )
- A-to-micro USB cable for power Hub -> Pi
- A-to-B USB cable for data Pi -> Hub

2- If you won't be needing a hub:
- microUSB PSU+cable,
- or just microUSB cable if you'll be powering the Pi off something else (ADSL box, PC...)

[pupil160]

Im good to go, I just need some cash. And a mince pi

[bradburts]

ppl have been shot for better jokes

[pupil160]

URK

Q what do you call an exploding monkey
A A baboom (baboon)