Starting server PSUs outside a server for repurposing

[Scratch.HTF]

Typically, this is a component in plentiful supply and therefore the price should be relatively low for repurposing.

First, some pointers:

• Many are of high efficiency and have active power factor correction (APFC) which the APFC board may be separate in larger units.
• Output is typically derated for lower AC input voltages.
• Certain units (which may be designed for automated exchange without requiring the callout of a technician) do not have an IEC (computer type) input connector.
• Starting of the main output (where the standby output is constantly enabled) typically requires a signal on a certain pin (typically last mate (which connects last on insertion) for hot swap units) which typically has a pullup or pulldown resistor or for certain units, a command
• on the data pins (usually I2C as used by SMBus/PMBus/IPMB/AdvancedTCA/MicroTCA) for starting which also has pullup resistors to a +5V or +3.3V standby supply.
• Outputs may be segmented and may have different current limits for each segment.
• Electronic components are typically of high quality.

I started a Delta DPS-1200FB (density 1.91W/CC excluding protrusions) and a Lite-On generic part number 684529-001 (density 2.11W/CC excluding protrusions) (both made for HP) by bridging pins 36 (last mate) and 33 which are labelled with numbers on these units.
Attached is a picture with connections to start a Delta DPS-1200CB (made for Cisco) - this one was a bit of a challenge since the 16 pin connector portion for standby +12V and control did not have a "last mate" pin (the pin for starting in its floating state measured around +16V which is connected to a standby supply via a pullup resistor).

If you have successfully started a server PSU outside a server, please share clear picture(s) of the connector with connections for starting thereof (note the use of any "last mate" pins) along with the manufacturer, server brand and model.

[Scratch.HTF]

Here's how to start a HP HSTNS-PR16 unit (Start Sense is +4.7V when open, +0.42V when connected to Start) (I'm using this 2.4 KW unit for an isolated 2 KW variable voltage variable frequency pure sinewave inverter):

[james_s]

There was a whole thread on this on the rcgroups forum a few years ago, it's probably still there. Loads of people use server PSUs to power battery chargers.

[NiHaoMike]

Another good resource are 3D printer modding groups, at least back when the CR-10 was popular, especially the bigger versions that needed a lot of power for the heated bed. (Nowadays, higher end 3D printers pretty much all run on 24V so server PSUs are rarely used.)

[james_s]

I use a series pair of server PSUs to power my larger chargers. You have to modify them by isolating the DC ground from the earth ground but this is pretty easy to do on most of them.