Power Supply Brainstorm.

[Candyman]

Ok, here's the deal. I'm about to upgrade a bunch of my hobby stuff. One thing I'm going to be getting is a Duratrax Ice charger because I'm also going to be adding in Li-Po packs as I work further into my airplane/helicopter addiction. But to run the Ice, I need a power supply. As far as I understand, it will need to be AT LEAST 15A. A lot of the supplies I'm seeing are in the $100 range for that. Well, I'm convinced that it can be done cheaper. So, anyone here convert a computer PS to use? Or any other good ideas? Gimme a rundown of what you all are using. I need inspiration!

 

[SIRMAXXALOT]

I have talked to a few pepople that have really nicely done computer supplies converted and they will not run an ICE for some reason?

I have a Pyramid 20Amp, it works flawlessly, I LOVE THIS THING, quiet, powerful, and compact. Here is the link my fiancee bought mine from(X-Mas)----> http://www.buyreliant.com/psupplies/psv200.htm I have run three chargers @ 6 Amps each with out even a whimper. Bets $54.50 she spent for a present for me..

 

[HeartBreak]

Candyman; I have done the PC power supply conversion. I can tell you, from experience, they're good only for about 7.5 amps, give or take. It wasn't hard, but it won't be enough for what you need.

I use it to run my lathe (since it has 5v out taps). Handy little unit.

 

[beason]

have you looked into a non "hobby" power supply?? i got this one from truthseeker from his shop. its 12v and 8 amps, and runs my chargers fine. you can get them with more amps to and they dont carry the "hobby" markup. this one new runs about 20 bux.

heres a link to the thread.

https://www.rcnitrotalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=39473

 

[Candyman]

I have seen the Pyramid supplies. MAXXALOT linked to one in his post and it looks like a winner. 20A for only like $55. That should work perfectly for what I need. I just want to make sure that I have enough grunt to run an Ice and a Li-Po balancer. I plan on jumping on the Li-Po wagon with my Combat Wing and I just want to make sure it's no problem charging a 3s pack.

 

[beason]

you gonna mawd it like i did?? lol i kinda like it, and its WAY better looking then it was when i got it

 

[Candyman]

I dunno. It looks pretty slick right out of the box!

 

[Plaidfish]

I found a deal on tripp-lite 20amp PS from a local electronics supply house....check w/ them (local to you) and Marine/Boating stores (they use em for VHF radios on land)........the supply houses buy them and nobody really uses high current 12VDC much anymore, if you're lucky you can bargain w/ the guy......I'm debating getting a 50 amp...just so I can leave one gigantic one on my bench and have the 20 amp for the track , we have outlets and I run my glow-be/Ice/Starter box off it....
BTW have you looked at th4e Triton vs the Ice.....I bought the Ice and wish I had bought the triton....the Ice has a motor breakin feature but only charges 10 cell packs....no starter battery charging either.....the triton has a higher charge capacity and is smaller.....both are made basically the same electronics.......similar controls too

 

[SIRMAXXALOT]

I dunno. It looks pretty slick right out of the box!

Man Candyman I love mine, I shoegoo'ed my Pulsars right to the top and made one unit out of it...It has been working flawlessly for me, and I had a converted PC supply that burnt up and the power cord was the same so now I just leave on cord right in my hobby shop and one in my pitbox so it is alot easier to load and unload.

 

[TT120]

I use a PC power supply that I converted for my ICE charger and it works perfect. I get about 10 amps on the 12 volt side which is enough for me.

 

[Plaidfish]

Just keep in mind if you use the motor breakin feature 10 amps is not enough...I think they recommend a 30 amp Power supply......

 

[MonsterCowpower]

I use a cheapie 5A power supply with the ICE,the max charge I will do is at 3.3A so its fine.

You can convert a PC power supply,use the 12V rail and be good.I have a converted PSU that is good for up to 16A @ 12V.