Cheap medium-duty power supply - RC-Monster Forums

simplechamp · 05:14 AM

Saw this idea on another forum, so I can't take credit, but I thought I'd share since it seemed like a good idea. This is pretty simple, and I'm surprised this is the first I've seen of it, maybe others have done this?

The large brick-style power supplies used for Xbox 360 can be easily converted to power your RC charger. There are 3 yellow 12V wires and 3 black GND wires. Tie all yellow together and run to a female banana plug out of the plastic case, and do the same for the ground wires. Then there is a red 5V wire and a blue turn-on wire that can just be tied into the 5V to have a plug-and-play setup, or you can add in a switch and be able to turn the PSU on and off while leaving it plugged in. That's it, just a little soldering and drilling the plastic case for the banana connectors and switch (if you choose to use one).

This is by no means groundbreaking, basically the same thing as converting a regular computer PSU. The main reason I like this is because it's simpler and cheaper, and also the finished product will look cleaner. The Xbox PSU's can be found on Ebay for cheap, and depending on what version you get (3 diff. versions available) they range anywhere from 150W to 200W. Not as much as a computer PSU but plenty of power for most light to medium duty charging applications. Going to be trying one of these out myself, just watching for one to come up extra cheap on Ebay.

suicideneil · 08:02 PM

Certainly interesting, Im just wondering if the plastic case might be an issue when the charger is fully loaded as-such? Only one way to test that theory- hi Mr Guinea pig!

simplechamp · 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by suicideneil

Certainly interesting, Im just wondering if the plastic case might be an issue when the charger is fully loaded as-such? Only one way to test that theory- hi Mr Guinea pig!

The Xbox PSU's have built-in protection for thermal, overvoltage, overcurrent, etc. so should be no worries. Also has built-in fan to help with temps.

BrianG · 05.03.2010, 09:25 PM

You can also use a car battery charger. It's unregulated and unfiltered, but that's nothing a few caps and an LM317T along with a few pass transistors can't fix.

lincpimp · 05.04.2010, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrianG

You can also use a car battery charger. It's unregulated and unfiltered, but that's nothing a few caps and an LM317T along with a few pass transistors can't fix.

Sounds like we have a new "G project" on our hands!!! I like your projects Brian. I have named them "G projects" mainly due to your last name initial but also because they are so "Gangster". Show us how it is done electron master!!!