I could use some advice regarding this DC power supply I have. It’s rated at 0-20 volts and upwards of 10 amps. Initially, it was used to test MicroMo miniature sized DC motors, flashing circuits, and high power neon transformers and such. This was when I used to build for myself and others these full size Lost In Space B9 Robots pictured below. Lately, the most important thing the power supply has been used for was to check the current draw on my Skyray King flashlight. So I’d like to get more use out of it.
I’d like to purchase a well respected and accurate hobby charger to better maintain and balance my 18650/26650 cells. Especially with the high power lights I’ve been purchasing or building, I’m starting to push my cells pretty hard and I’d like to keep things as safe as possible. Since a hobby charger requires a power source, can this power supply be used for a hobby charger?
Thanks for any help or advice you can offer.
I believe it was this charger I was considering for purchase.
Another thing, I notice that your PS can do 20v output but the charger only accepts up to 17v input. Not sure if 3v over voltage can damage something, I would keep it lower than 17v maybe around 15v / 16v
Richie, that power supply is way more that adequate for the Turnigy charger. Give me a call and I'll go into detail. I'll be home most of the day. BTW, 13.8 volts is what I use into my hobby chargers
Richie, I was just checking out your power supply. Very nice! I might have to get one. I'm a big fan of linear supplies. Mine are fixed voltage Astron's. I also have a 0 to 40 volt, 5 amp switching supply just in case I need to test something that requires voltages other than 13.8 volts
Glenn, funny thing is I paid $95.00 brand new for it when I got it years ago. I’ve seen them for upwards of $189-$200 now. Just another reason I want to start getting more use out of it. Getting a good hobby charger all set up, I’ll be able to use the PS nearly every day :bigsmile:
Richie, great price! The lowest price I could find was $179. Most places are charging $199. You were talking about replacing the analog meters with digital. Electrically no problem. You might not be able to get one the exact size. You can always make the cutouts bigger, or make a bezel if the replacement meters are smaller
I’m going to open it up later today to get exact measurement and see what’s available. That’s a great idea also for getting a reasonable fitment too. Thanks for the great idea.
One other thing to consider. Digital meters need a power source typically 4.5 to 30 volts DC to power the LED segments. If you connect to the variable output and you go below the meter's voltage threshold, the LED's will turn off. This is why it's best to find a fixed voltage point within your power supply to power the segments
Yes, another important point. I’ll grab the DMM and see what I come up with.
As for the analog meters, seems easy enough to change them out. I’ll check around to see what is available. Perhaps I can find something that will pop right into the existing cutouts.
Shot from behind. Volts meter on left, amps right.
Good call Alex, and a great detailed thread on PSU conversions. Ive had it bookmarked for a while now but havent gotten around to the hobby charger stage yet. I guess I’ll need to cross that bridge at some point. I cant think of a better built, stable and inexpensive power supply for these tasks. For the larger hobby chargers, you can wire some of the server PSU’s in serial for 24V.
