Install a Cigarette Lighter on Computer

by bikerbob2005 in Living > Life Hacks

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Install a Cigarette Lighter on Computer

1a_parts.jpg
1dull_puter.jpg
2remove_plate.jpg
openmolex.jpg
10conneceted.jpg
close_of_wireing2.jpg
close_of_wireing.jpg
molex_fuse.jpg
molex_wired.jpg
basictools.jpg
unit.jpg

my last instructable on computer case mod cooling fans i posted a photo of my towers face and got a comment on the cig lighter , so to make it even easyer I went and thrashed another computer ,No I dont smoke in the office but some of my gear recharges only from a car cig lighter. Also it is very easy to reach unlike the power strip on the floor under the desk :(
some photos will be replaced soon,i know how they look.

Get Parts and Tools

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1b_tools.jpg
basictools.jpg
radio shack had the molex jumper that i cut in two 3.99
could swipe one off an old computer power supply
advance auto parts had a compleat cig lighter for 3.79
also an ATC inline fuse for 1.98
for a total cost of 9.76
spade drill bit 7/8" (22mm)
some heat shrink tubing 3/16
2 spade female terminal ends
1 butt splice

Setting Up

1dull_puter.jpg
2remove_plate.jpg
3drill.jpg
Pry out the 5.25" faceplate.
I mounted it in the center,using the rule i penciled an X on inside.
slowly drill into the face plate when have a nice grove cut with the bit stop turn it over,and drill it through from the front. this will keep the bit from tearing the soft plastic

Mount & Wire

close_of_wireing2.jpg
close_of_wireing.jpg
molex_fuse.jpg
molex_wired.jpg
unit.jpg
Yellow wire and the closest black are 12VDC positive and the ground ( earth )
The molex connector yellow (orange) goes to ATX fuse
Black goes to ground
Red and other black are tucked into a short piece of shrink tubing to make sure they dont short out.

Installing

openmolex.jpg
10conneceted.jpg
From the power supply find an open molex connector.
snap in the face plate and connect it to the power supply.

Lastly



The ATX fuse holder came with a 30 amp in it would rather see a 5 amp
This can be done without turning off power
It took me less than 20 min to do entire install.