Re: [Hampshire] OT: Using a PC/SPS Tester

> I am starting by testing the power supply. I have a PC/SPS Tester I,
> but have never used it. Before I blow myself, my computer or the
> house sky-high I would be grateful for some advice.

Firstly - the risks are vanishingly small. All the high voltages will be
safely caged in the metal box of the PSU.

> 1) The "manual" and Google both appear to suggest that I have to turn
> on the power supply first, and connect up second, **while the PSU is
> live.** Is this correct?

It depends on how much you want to test. If you connect the tester before
powering the PSU, you aren't properly testing the power-on circuitry. In
your situation, you almost certainly don't care about that.

> 2) I have to leave the 20 pin connector connected while testing the
> other connectors one by one.

Yes. The ATX supply has one pin that you short to ground to turn the PSU
on. If you remove the tester from that connector, the PSU will turn off.

> 3) The -5V light may be off because it is supposed to be.

I don't think that is right. I expect all the lights to be on...

> 4) The whole thing has to be done fast because the tester may cause
> the PSU to burn out if it is connected fro more than a very few
> minutes. [I hate having to rush things, especially when I am at all
> unsure what I am doing. I like to check and double check. :-( ]

I've left my tester plugged in for many hours (I use it to turn on PSUs to
power external drives, etc.). I've never had a problem...

Now my tester is not the same model as yours - but there is unlikely to be
any significant difference.

Vic.