WhataNut FMA PowerLab8 1000W charger

What charger are you using Jerry? Most chargers these days can take more than 12V and all the big power chargers need at least 24V. The PowerLab8 will not be able to charge at much more than 500W with only a 12V input regardless of the current that that the PSU can supply. In fact the PowerLab8 can handle up to 32V.

For you if you have a high end charger you are better off getting something like this PSU. CLICK HERE Mean Well have a pretty solid reputation from what I can gather reading the net. Also the unit in the link is switchable between 120V and 240V AC so you should be able to take it anywhere around the world.

I am leaning towards this unit. CLICK HERE. It should be a pretty close match for the PowerLab8. The only thing about it is that it isn't meant to operate below 180V AC so it wont be much use to you guys in US. For me it will be perfect.

[JERRY2KONE]

Hey thanks for the advice sharing. My plan is to get my hands on one of the PowerLab8 model chargers, so the perfect power supply for that is what I am interested in. I have just been going through all of the PSU supply networks trying to find the best PSU for the best price range. Its going to be a few months before I can afford to start getting my Lipos and charging system together. Money is just too tight after our move, so I have to be patient for a while longer. I am keeping my eyes open and absorbing all the info I can to make sure I take the best route when the time comes. Thanks and good luck with your purchases to.

[feistyacorn]

Originally Posted by BIG-block

What charger are you using Jerry? Most chargers these days can take more than 12V and all the big power chargers need at least 24V. The PowerLab8 will not be able to charge at much more than 500W with only a 12V input regardless of the current that that the PSU can supply. In fact the PowerLab8 can handle up to 32V.

For you if you have a high end charger you are better off getting something like this PSU. CLICK HERE Mean Well have a pretty solid reputation from what I can gather reading the net. Also the unit in the link is switchable between 120V and 240V AC so you should be able to take it anywhere around the world.

I am leaning towards this unit. CLICK HERE. It should be a pretty close match for the PowerLab8. The only thing about it is that it isn't meant to operate below 180V AC so it wont be much use to you guys in US. For me it will be perfect.

That second Meanwell looks nice! I sent a email to Revolectrix a while ago asking about PSUs. They like Meanwell, Mastech, and Iota. I was looking at getting this Iota. I might end up getting this one because it looks like the 24v 40amp unit requires a 120v 20amp line. I'm not sure what our track has for power, but it would require me to add a 20 amp line to my hobby room. What are others doing for the PSUs that are "high watt"?

[BrianG]

Originally Posted by feistyacorn

T...it looks like the 24v 40amp unit requires a 120v 20amp line. I'm not sure what our track has for power, but it would require me to add a 20 amp line to my hobby room. What are others doing for the PSUs that are "high watt"?

That doesn't makes sense. 24v @ 40A is "only" 960w. Once you figure in efficiency losses (~15%) and AC power factor, you should only need ~10A @ 120v. Maybe they recommend a 20A line because the load looks highly inductive (rather than resistive)? But this would show up in the power factor rating, but could be compensated via power factor correction circuits (most high -power/end computer PS units use this).

[feistyacorn]

Originally Posted by BrianG

That doesn't makes sense. 24v @ 40A is "only" 960w. Once you figure in efficiency losses (~15%) and AC power factor, you should only need ~10A @ 120v. Maybe they recommend a 20A line because the load looks highly inductive (rather than resistive)? But this would show up in the power factor rating, but could be compensated via power factor correction circuits (most high -power/end computer PS units use this).

When I was first looking at PSUs thats that I thought, but the cutsheet on the IOTA says that its Continuous Maximum Power Output is 1100 watts and its Maximum AC Current @ 108VAC is 20 amps. You are 100% right - a powerful all in one charger would be bad ass!

[JERRY2KONE]

Originally Posted by feistyacorn

When I was first looking at PSUs thats that I thought, but the cutsheet on the IOTA says that its Continuous Maximum Power Output is 1100 watts and its Maximum AC Current @ 108VAC is 20 amps. You are 100% right - a powerful all in one charger would be bad ass!

OK so who has the inside track with any of these charger and PSU developers that can get some suggestions on the board so that maybe there could be a good setup in the making soon. Maybe they just don't get it, and they need someone from our hobby to sell them on the idea so they can understand what we want and what we need.

I mean look at MA and how they just throw Crap together in a garage and sell it like it was the best thing since sliced bread. They even put false statements on them with some cute stickers and people still buy them. How hard can this be for God sakes?