MacGyvered DC Power Supply for Chargers

[McKee]

Hey guys,

I bought myself a high end Duratrax charger but it needed a 12v DC power supply and since I didnt want to go out to my car everytime i wanted to charge a battery, I got to thinking and found out you can use an ATX power supply from a computer for the task. I happened to have an old pc collecting dust but it has a good power supply with a 14A output @ 12v. Got to looking and there are some good guides on how to make it work.

Here is the main list, http://www.eflight101.com/chargers/powersupply/ , however I used the one below as I found it to be the most informative.

http://web2.murraystate.edu/andy.bat...owersupply.htm

I didnt go quite as overboard with the design, I just opened her up and cut out all the wires I didnt need, made the necessary sensor wire connections, and put a couple of alligator clips on a 12v out and voila, instant dc power supply. I didnt have to use the resistor to crank up the voltage output since my charger will run on 11.5v ish so that worked out.

Hopefully this can save someone a few bucks, DC power supplies can be a bitch to find and can be pricey, so this is a pretty damn easy and cheap solution.

[MadMax]

If you get a cigarette lighter plug, you can splice the wires to the same bananna clip terminals so you can charge during the trip up to your game without the computer PS too.

I don't recommend charging Lipo batts while driving though. Even with a bomb bag, the smoke would obscure your view.

[Daes]

http://reckerclub.tripod.com/id105.html

A very straight-forward step-by-step too. This is what I used to build mine for the ICE charger.

[Styrak]

Hmm, you must have got a different Duratrax charger than me, cause mine can use wall power as well as car battery power. Mine's a Piranha Digital Peak Charger.