Power Supply

[MaxRevo]

I was just wondering what power supply everyone is using.

[wallot]

graupner 20A as primary
old pc 400W as secondary

[brushlessboy16]

A laptop 15v 4a for the moment, when i can get my Xbox 360 PSU to work will use that

[BrianG]

Work bench: Aston 25A switching PS. Adjusted for 14.7v.
Field use: Modded computer PS tweaked for ~14v.

(the higher voltage on both requires a little less current for a given wattage)

[rabosi]

I use this http://www.cheapham.com/DM330MVT.html

I have the Ofna 18 amp PS running @14.5v

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXKLP2&P=ML

[BrianG]

That ofna one doesn't look bad at all for under $100. 14.5v @ 18A can power a charger with a 200w limit (assuming 80% charger efficiency).

If you don't mind the inefficiency of a linear PS for home use (would be HEAVY to lug around), you might be able to pick up a strong transformer rated for ~20v @ 30A, regulator, several pass transistors, caps, rectifier, heatsink, case, and a few other components for around $50-$80. Should be able to build a PS capable of ~400w.

[junkman]

I used a motorola tpn-1154a, base station power supply until it recently quit working. It had been a good one, weighed a ton but worked well. I just bought a brand new computer type power supply to mod, but it was different than any I was able to find on the internet instructions for. Got it working I thought, lasted for about 2 minutes and burnt up. So know I am back in the market again. Does anyone have one that they modded and bought new they could post up a link to?

[BrianG]

Originally Posted by junkman

I used a motorola tpn-1154a, base station power supply until it recently quit working. It had been a good one, weighed a ton but worked well.

That is most probably a linear type. Usually, they are pretty simple to fix. The transformers (the most expensive part) is pretty reliable. I would look at the main power caps and maybe the output pass transistor(s). You can probably get that unit working again for just a few bucks.

The thing about modding computer PS units is that they are all different. The modding scheme is the same (and usually pretty easy to do), but the details will vary.

Edit: I just checked, that motorola PS is rated for ~ 10A @ 14v. You may have just been pushing it too hard for too long. You sure you just don't have a blown fuse or something simple?

[junkman]

wow, I wouldn't have imagined it to only be 10 amp, it probably weighed around 30lbs. I ran 2 old tekin chargers off of it for 8 or 9 years with no problems, gues I was lucky. I have pitched it now, but it would show 13 volts or so, but had no amperage whatsover, even a lightbulb would kick it down. I actually bought another one just like it since I had such good luck with that one, but it for some reason was putting out around 18 volts, and I couldn't figure out how to trim it down. I ended up throwing both of them away, thinking I could get the computor supply going, but didn't have good luck that route either. With the money and time I have wasted screwing around with these, I could have just bought a good one!

[gogglespaesano]

I use a modded sparkle psu that I got off ebay for 15$. 550W 36A on the 12V rail. Did a bit of research and the sparkle seems to be a good brand, seems that some other brands will overrate their stuff, so do your homework before you buy.

[BrianG]

I found a couple places online that stated the output to be about 10A. If the output current dropped, the main pass transistor was likely bad. The other one with the high voltage was either the actual regulator IC (or zener diode in some designs) that went bad, or maybe just a dirty trim pot. Too bad you threw them away already.

Be wary of high currents on the 12v line when looking for computer PS units, especially the cheaper ones. Many times, that high current value is actually two 12v rails combined. Try for a PS with a SINGLE high current 12v rail. And be aware that the voltage WILL drop to under 12v when loaded heavily, which is all the more reason to get the highest current supply you can get for the money. Depending on the design, you may be able to tweak the voltage back up to ~13-14v unloaded via a trim pot.

This is the one I'm using -

http://www.hobbypeople.net/gallery/158301.asp

It runs both Hyperion 0606i and Ice charger charging a pr of Emaxx batts at 5 or 6 amps without breaking a sweat.

I remember seeing that PS before I bought mine but I was concerned it looked cheap and the selling price was on the low side

The only thing I'll say negative about it is about the cooling fan. The fan goes on and off as its needed and even though its not real loud, it can seem that way. Its louder than a PC's fan.

I need a power distribution thingy so I can power more devices neatly - I get the job done, but wiring can get a little messy. Integy makes one, but I keep hoping I'll see another by someone else. ProPeak didn't spend a lot on appearance, its plain, no quest there, but I'd buy it again if I needed another.