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Topic:
Control4 guys and keypad power distribution
This thread has 8 replies. Displaying all posts.
Post 1 made on Wednesday April 2, 2014 at 23:33
Audiophiliac
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What are you guys using as inexpensive and convenient methods of distributing power to keypads? I am speaking of the 36V power supply to 8 keypads in this case. I have used phone blocks in the past, and an old amx distribution rail we had laying around. Wire nuts are so trunk slammer.
"When I eat, it is the food that is scared." - Ron Swanson
Post 2 made on Wednesday April 2, 2014 at 23:37
edizzle
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seems pretty wild they dont make a piece!
I love supporting product that supports me!
OP | Post 3 made on Thursday April 3, 2014 at 00:35
Audiophiliac
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I just want a 1U unit with an IEC input and 24 outputs with selectable voltage from 5V up to at least 36V. IP control as well. No more "wall warts" please!

Then I came across the Gefen Power Rack 58. Holy overpriced POS much?!!!

I was thinking something similar to the CCTV distribution boards, but in a more rack/cabinet friendly enclosure.
"When I eat, it is the food that is scared." - Ron Swanson
Post 4 made on Thursday April 3, 2014 at 07:51
jimstolz76
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Could use this
[Link: xantech.com]
Post 5 made on Thursday April 3, 2014 at 08:17
Ranger Home
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On April 3, 2014 at 07:51, jimstolz76 said...
Could use this
[Link: xantech.com]

That's disco'd.

But, Im not seeing that unit as a solution fitting his needs. Does it power devices? I may be reading the description wrong but I don't see that as a power distribution unit that would eliminate wall warts.
Post 6 made on Thursday April 3, 2014 at 10:53
lippavisual
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I've used 12 port patch panels before. Take the +/- leads and daisy chain them through the punchdowns (I use blue and green pairs). Then I RJ45 my cables to the keypads and plug in accordingly. Works just fine, cable management works and gives a cleaner look.

I've looked a long time ago for the product you're describing and never came across one.
Post 7 made on Thursday April 3, 2014 at 11:47
jimstolz76
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On April 3, 2014 at 08:17, Ranger Home said...
That's disco'd.

But, Im not seeing that unit as a solution fitting his needs. Does it power devices? I may be reading the description wrong but I don't see that as a power distribution unit that would eliminate wall warts.

It's just a 4 conductor parallel strip, essentially. You would feed a power supply into the 'input' and it would send it through every 'output'. But, if it's discontinued then it doesn't matter anyway...
Post 8 made on Thursday April 3, 2014 at 12:22
Ernie Gilman
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The lowly terminal strip is your answer:


This one has twelve connections. You'll want nine screws, but I don't remember (and I'm not going to bother to look up) whether exactly nine is available.

Get two.

Get interconnect bars that go from screw to screw to make them common.

Get spade lugs for your power leads.

Mount one of these above the other, say + on top; cut your power leads so the + lead is an inch or so, whatever your spacing, longer than the -, which lets you bring the wire pair in from below.

Get a 36 volt power supply and use that for your power. Don't like wall warts? don't choose one. I got sixty possible choices in open frame 36 VDC, AC powered supplies at [Link: alliedelec.com]. I don't know if that works as a link; go to alliedelec.com and search from there. At a glance I saw a supply that gives a bit more than one amp for about $15 and one that gives 25 or so amps for $551.

Now, sit for a few moments and think about how much time it will take you to assemble all of this and have it look good. Do you put it on the back of a blank plate, leaving screw heads showing on the front? Do you get a rack mount chassis?

Just how long will it take you to fabricate this;
how much is that Gefen power pack;
how much is your time worth?

The answer to that, in most cases, is why I quit making cool little custom chassis several years ago. The cost was way more than I could charge!

...and for better answers, if you're objecting to the price of a Gefen item, please include the price; if you need power, thanks for the voltage but the needed current is necessary.
A good answer is easier with a clear question giving the make and model of everything.
"The biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place." -- G. “Bernie” Shaw
OP | Post 9 made on Thursday April 3, 2014 at 12:30
Audiophiliac
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I was clear in my request. Any "Control 4 guy" will understand this without second thought. That is why I addressed that particular demographic in the thread title. :)

The C4 power supply is 36V 3.75A BTW. It is not a wall wart, but it is a brick.

The barrier strip idea is ok and would be fine in a rack. This particular project does not have a rack. Not my choice.

The Gefen piece I mentioned does not do what I need it to do. I was just pointing it out as I ran across while searching. It is a rack mount 5V DC power supply with 8 outputs (I imagine to be used for powering HDMI extenders?). A popular internet retailer in NYC is selling it for $725! Sure, it will eliminate 8 transformers and a power strip from the rack. But still.
"When I eat, it is the food that is scared." - Ron Swanson


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