Use an ATX power supply as a 12V source

[Magister]

As a Stampede owner, I thought I would share this with you

My battery charger needs a 12V source, I used my car battery, but it's not fun in winter when it's -20°F!

So I dig some web site on how to convert an old ATX power supply and followed the how-to, here's my result:



It gives 8 Amp on the +12V which is enough for my 4A charger.

It costed me less than $10 in parts I guess.

I made a summary on my web page with links to others websites:
http://membres.lycos.fr/tiange/rc/alim/

enjoy

[speedymaxx]

Thanks!!!I just cut the atx plug and use the wires directly!!!!
How do you use -5 volts!!??

[Magister]

In general you have to put a "load" on the +5VDC or the power supply may malfunction, I read this anywhere about switching power supply, so be careful with your PS.

My PS can give +5 at 22A, +12 at 8A, -12V at 1A and -5 at 0.5A

So I can have:
24V using the -12/+12 at 1A
17V using the -12/+5 at 1A
10V using the -5/+5 at 0.5A
7V using the +5/+12 at 8A I guess.

I don't know if I will use the -5 or -12 one day but it may be useful

[Nitronaught]

Nice job..

[revo racer 01]

I was reading the link and it is just converted from a computer? I need a power supply and this might be the ticket. How easy was it to convert?

[Magister]

It's easy to convert, my web page is maybe in poor english, read the 3 links I give in my page to have more explanation/pictures.

It's just a few soldering and drilling the case. If you now how to sold and have the parts from a radio-shack or others store, it's easy. just don't mess the wires if the colours is not standard on your PS.

And yes it's an old ATX power supply dating 1997! I just replaced the fan because the old one was "trapped" in dust, drilled holes, solder wires, that's it.

[revo racer 01]

Alright, thanks. I may have an old CPU in my garage i can use.

[johnny5c]

I've been using a 400 watt ATX PSU for a bench supply for years now and it works really well, very stable and has protection for shorts and overheating. Use it for chargers and testing things like car radios, lights, fans, and anything else thats 12 volts and doesn't draw more than 20 amps. I have a plate on top of my desk with banana plugs so it's easy to hook up almost anything, plus the molex connectors for testing PC hardware. You can get a cheap one for under $10 on ebay that will work just fine, try and find a older one without dual 12 volt rails because a single rail one will put out more current on a single line than a dual.

[johnny5c]

WARNING: I have to add that a power supply has capacitors that must be discharged before you open it or you take the chance of getting a really bad shock.

[speedymaxx]

Have a picture of how it is on the table???