Argus 2kW 48v Power Module

[potatorage]

So I recently purchased one of these in hopes that it might be a good charger for my new A123 prismatic cells, but I have no idea how to use it!

Since it seems like this company doesn't exist anymore, there's no documentation either. So does anyone have any wild guesses as to which plug does what?
It seems like the Box type pluggable terminal 2.5 to 4mm (#14 to 12 AWG) is the input while the Bus adapters with 3/8”
threaded inserts, 1” centers are supposed to be the outputs.

 

[ZOMGVTEK]

One of the pins on the blue plug likely goes to the chassis. That's going to be the ground connection. The other two are going to be line for 'single phase' 240 if you're in the US.

Give it power, and see how it reacts. Take a meter to the output bananas and see what those do. It might need some sort of connection on that tongue at the bottom, thats going to be a tricky one if it won't power on by itself.

Is this intended to be a battery charger? If it's not current limited, its very likely it won't work how you want.

 

[liveforphysics]

Where did you get it? Price?

 

[potatorage]

Where did you get it? Price?

I purchased it from a data center teardown company in Austin. They sold it to me for $35, which I think was a fair price
It seems like it has a current limiting function, although it also looks like it was intended to charge large SLA batteries.

 

[liveforphysics]

Where did you get it? Price?

I purchased it from a data center teardown company in Austin. They sold it to me for $35, which I think was a fair price
It seems like it has a current limiting function, although it also looks like it was intended to charge large SLA batteries.

That is a great deal.

 

[liveforphysics]

Where did you get it? Price?

I purchased it from a data center teardown company in Austin. They sold it to me for $35, which I think was a fair price
It seems like it has a current limiting function, although it also looks like it was intended to charge large SLA batteries.

That is a great deal.

 

[auraslip]

Awesome. If you can get more, I'm sure plenty people here would be interested in making a bad ass charger with them https://sites.google.com/site/shelbyelectro/batteries/batteries/server-psu-charger

 

[ZOMGVTEK]

If that current limits, its a great deal.

It does look like it was intended to charge batteries. It makes no mention of the output current, but rather 'short circuit' current, and shows a voltage range on the output.
The display and buttons are promising. If you can even set a termination voltage with a wide range... Epic.

Jam some power into it and see what it does. If you're afraid of breaker panels and don't have 220VAC handy, you can always cut up two extension cords and run them to outlets on separate phases.

 

[auraslip]

If you can even set a termination voltage with a wide range... Epic.

That's what I'm thinking.... one of these plus some server power supplies in series = multi-kw charger for $100

 

[potatorage]

http://www.alpha-group.ru/files/File/rectifiers-systems-telecommunications/pathfinder1500.pdf
Not the same model but it seems to be in the same family.
What's interesting is that it seems to have functions that would be great for charging batteries (If I can find out what a "SM Series" is)
Controls:
On/off pushbutton
Remote equalize
Individual remote shutdown
RS-485 remote interface
Up arrow key (adjust/scroll)
Down arrow key (adjust/scroll)
Enter/select arrow key
Adjustments (via SM Series):
Float and equalize voltage
Battery test voltage
High and low voltage alarms
High voltage shutdown
Current limit
Start delay time
Slope %
Protection: Current limit/short circuit
Input/output fuses
Output high voltage shutdown
Output power limiting
Thermal foldback/shutdown
Input transient
AC low line foldback/shutdown
AC high voltage shutdown

 

[potatorage]

Also, How would I be able to attach wires to the small gold posts in the blue box? it seems like these weren't meant to be opened up so there are a ton of screws I don't want to deal with.

 

[ZOMGVTEK]

OP: Run to wherever you purchased this supply. Buy me 4.

 

[ZOMGVTEK]

Also, How would I be able to attach wires to the small gold posts in the blue box? it seems like these weren't meant to be opened up so there are a ton of screws I don't want to deal with.

Solder some wires to it and cover it with glue/silicone? Just be aware that 220VAC is not something you generally want to play with, so make it solid.

Or you can see if you have connectors laying around with similar contacts and make it work, but that sounds unlikely.

 

[potatorage]

Unfortunately, I think I bought the only one they had for sale.
So how do I get 240v in my home?
I have a dryer plug, I believe that can be set up for 220V but I'd rather not use it
How do I tell if two plugs are on separate phases?
I wouldn't want to tap into my breaker box either- it's outside and kinda far away from my garage.

 

[ZOMGVTEK]

The dryer plug should be all you need. It should be 240V/30A of 'single phase' goodness.

The only real way to tell if you plugs are on separate phases, is guess and check, or a meter/scope between the two. Same phase will read near 0VAC hot to hot, different will read 240ish.

 

[potatorage]

So I hooked this thing up today, and it runs! Nice LCD display gives voltage readings and I believe current as well. However, it kept giving me an AC fail error- either on 120v or hot to hot (which was showing 270V???). I'm guessing it's cause the input voltage was higher than the 240V max that this power supply is designed for. Hot to neutral gives me 120V, so why would hot to hot show 270V on my multimeter?