HARDWARE project
NOTE: T-S Horizons and the author assume no responsiblity for damages arising out of the use/misuse of these articles. The reader must understand that any modifications suggestion here is to be taken at the reader’s own risk.
One of the most overlooked acessories for the low priced home computer is a voltage surge supressor. I never thought of getting one for my Timex until a power outage and the resulting power surge wiped out the information stored on a hard disc at work.
After checking several catalogs, I found the only surge supressor I liked cost over $15.00. With a trip to Radio Shack and $4.50 I purchased the components to install a surge supressor inside the power strip I am using to power my computers.
While I had no problems modifing my power strip, if you are not familiar with electrical wiring techniques, ask someone who is to help you. As always, remember to take all precautions to avoid an unpleasant and possibly dangerous electrical shock.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED:
soldering iron
rosen core solder
3 MOVS Radio Shack part no. 276-570
screwdriver or pliers to fit the screws on your power strip
WHAT TO DO
Since power strips will vary in construction-details, the following instructions don’t give the exact layout of the components inside the terminal strip. You will have to determine the best position for the components inside your power strip.
1. Remove the cover from the back of the power strip.
2. Locate a terminal that a green (ground) wire is attached to.
3. Solder one lead from each of two MOVs to the ground terminal.
4. Solder the other lead from one MOV to a terminal that is attached to a white wire.
5. Solder the lead from the other MOV to a black wire terminal.
6. Solder the remaining MOV between a black wire terminal and a wire terminal.
7. Carefully bend the tree MOVs back inside the power strip.
8. Replace the back cover of the strip making sure you will not create a short when screws are reinserted.
Your surge supressed power strip is now complete. The only trouble is, you will never know its working!