Power Supplies

[Rifle]

Just jumping into Lipo and trying to choose a power supply. This is the charger I went w/: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=12104
It sounds like the chosen power supply needs to put out at least as much power as your charger can, yes?
The cheapest for the wattage seem to be computer power supplies like this one: http://cgi.ebay.com/iMicro-Power-Supply-400W-ATX-12V-PS-IM400WH-/120512134262?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c0f153c76
but I don't think I've seen any post of someone using something like this so is there something that makes them no good to use? Looks kind of big, and has a lot of outputs that wouldn't be used, but the 12v 26a seems like a lot of watts for the price.

I'm thinking of going w/: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270666259596#vi-content
but I'm wondering if an XBox 360 power supply would work. Says it outputs 12v 14.2a. (http://cgi.ebay.com/ORIGINAL-OEM-MICROSOFT-XBOX-360-POWER-SUPPLY-BRICK-175w-/330506217785?pt=Video_Games_Accessories&hash=item4cf3b4a939) Think that would work? Output plug is very weird.

 

[dogman dan]

Looks like both the xbox power supply and the switching power supply would be just enough watts to run that charger. If not, the charger could be turned down to 5 amps, and then it would draw less watts and be ok.

However, a meanwell s-350 would run two of that charger, if you wanted to shorten your charge time later. Or get a 300 watt charger later.

 

[pm_dawn]

what about going this route:
http://www.nationwidesurplus.com/p-106-dell-nps-700ab-poweredge-jd195-700w-server-power-supply.aspx

Plenty of power for later.

Sounds like a 747 but atleast you know you have the charger running.....
Check RCforum for some of the server supplies they have gotten to work.

Best Regards
/Per

 

[x88x]

iMicro isn't exactly known for their stellar component and build quality, thus the very low price. Still better than a cheap brick though. Personally, I would guess that PSU could put out maybe 15-20A on the 12V line, dependably. If you get a better quality unit, sure, it'll push its advertised current level just fine. I just have no faith in iMicro (even if I do have one of their 400W units modded as a bench PSU ). ATX PSUs do require a bit of work to get them working as bench supplies. I touch on what you need to get them working here:
http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showthread.php?t=23540

To turn on Xbox 360 PSU bricks, iirc you have to short the 5V line with one of the pins...never done it myself but I'm sure there are guides somewhere.

Really though, for our purposes here, if you're buying something specifically for this imo the best cost/benefit is found in surplus server PSUs, like the one that pm_dawn mentioned. Because of the forced obsolescence that manufacturers design themselves into, they show up in surplus sale places for dirt cheap prices, unlike quality desktop PSUs. Here's another source for them:
http://www.txcesssurplus.com/servlet/the-Server-%26-Networking-Parts-cln-Power-Supplies/Categories

And here's a great deal on a couple 500W units:
http://www.nationwidesurplus.com/p-212-2x-dell-poweredge-2650-power-supply-500w-j1540-oh964.aspx

 

[Rifle]

Do most the server PSUs need loads on the other outputs to get power from the 12v like the computer PSUs?
Also, when using these chargers w/ just a car, can a car give a reasonable amount of charge w/out draining the battery or do you usually have to run the car while charging?

 

[auraslip]

Do most the server PSUs need loads on the other outputs to get power from the 12v like the computer PSUs?

Nope.

 

[neptronix]

I got an xbox 360 power supply if you want it. Was going to throw it away actually.

 

[Rifle]

I got an xbox 360 power supply if you want it. Was going to throw it away actually.

Yeah, that'd be great. I could ride up to Beaverton on a decent day.

 

[neptronix]

I got an xbox 360 power supply if you want it. Was going to throw it away actually.

Yeah, that'd be great. I could ride up to Beaverton on a decent day.

Yeah whenever we have one of those ................ :lol:

PMing you my contact info.

 

[Hillhater]

Are there any issues with the chargers supply LV cut off (11v ?) when using these 12v server PSU's ?

 

[auraslip]

Are there any issues with the chargers supply LV cut off (11v ?) when using these 12v server PSU's ?

My understanding is that no, there isn't. With pc PSUs it's another story.