12 volt power ??

[mjs]

I have a astro flight ac/dc auto charger desingned to rapid charge nicad batteries containing from one to eight cells.I was wondering could i use this as a 12volt power supply rewire or come off the transformer?? can it be done ?
thanks mike

[Flash1940]

Find an old automotive headlamp and wire both the high & low beam across the output of your charger. This should draw about 5 Amps at 12 volts. Problem is....your voltage needs to be a bit higher to charge 3S Lipos. If the headlamp trick works and you still have 12 V. or more when its lit....then you might pursue the project.....however....if the voltage drops down to 10 V. or below....it won't be worth your effort.

Flash

[ergocentric]

A PC power supply is better regulated and can be had from the local junkyard dirt cheap.
a NiCad charger is designed for controlled current, not voltage

[RCModelReviews]

Yes, I've done a video on the subject of converting an old PC supply to run your charger:

DIY: Using a PC power supply with your lipo charger

[Keith]

I use one I converted after Bruces vid for a foam cutter as well...

[Glenn]

I have a G.T. Power A6-10 and would like to power it with a fixed transformer that gives out 14v 30amps. Anyone see a problem with this? Also could I hook up a Bec and power my servos etc for bench testing. thinking of running a special panel with various plugs etc for this purpose.

thoughts would be much appreciated as I am getting lost on the bench with all the wires and various components, would love to simplify it all.

Glenn

[ergocentric]

I have a G.T. Power A6-10 and would like to power it with a fixed transformer that gives out 14v 30amps. Anyone see a problem with this? Also could I hook up a Bec and power my servos etc for bench testing. thinking of running a special panel with various plugs etc for this purpose.

thoughts would be much appreciated as I am getting lost on the bench with all the wires and various components, would love to simplify it all.

Glenn

Transformers output AC, you need DC, you would need to design and build a rectifier circuit to give the charger what it needs.

PC power supply is easier.

[kaptain_zero]

Keith,

I'd be interested in hearing more about your foam cutter. I'm building a couple here, one for making sheet stock and the other for assorted jobs but I can't figure a simple way to use a PC power supply for the job, unless I use it to power my iCharger which has an adjustable hotwire output. Using the iCharger is fine of course, but I don't want to add that sort of wear and tear on my fancypants charger.

I use one I converted after Bruces vid for a foam cutter as well...