VoltBank

Plug & Power

Powerrails is a key component when it comes to fast prototyping. Applying a circuit quickly with a 12V or 5V regulated rail or supply a LED-Strip with a working voltage without the need for a big regulated power supply keeps you agile on the desk. When looking at a Breadboard, you might notice how the Plus and Minus Rail offering ubiquitous access on the sides. Sometimes it takes 2 leads, sometimes it takes 6. You need power and want to quickly wire it up and down when prototyping. Here you can see one option to dial in power into your setup.

The bank relies on a PCB Product by reinholdschmitz.de and is basicly a distribution board with WAGO Terminals that have a easy push-button technique for wiring temporary connections. The Housing I build holds the pcb, a voltmeter (matching your rail voltage) and a bistate on/off switch. It allows to quickly release or prohibit power and see potential voltage drops when connecting to your circuit. For the leads I used specialized pin-header with a 3-4mm diameter and a standard 2.54mm on the other end soldered to a extremly felxible silicone stranded copper wire wo easy working without tangles. Next to the Terminals I placed a piece of anti-static rigid foam (the good type) that can hold probes that are not in use. You avoid leaving hot leads dangling around your surface.

The part might can vary for your needs and you should see this just as an inspiration for your own power distribution bank. Use the parts you have oder can get my and remix this design to your needs.

Finished Terminal

Terminal installation