PC Powersupply to power chargers?

[Mini Z]

I've been searching the forums and i couldn't find like instructions on how to mod one. I'm a computer builder and know a lot more about pc's than R/C's lol. But yea i just got this ac/dc lipo charger to my mini-t. I've got a 300watt psu sitting in my closest from a recently built pc. i'de like to mod it but don't know where to start =P Any help would be great! pics would help even more :o

[Ventman]

From what I've gathered, yes, it is possible to convert a computer PSU into a utilizable 12 VDC power supply for other purposes. From what I hear in RC circles tho, is that the computer PSU's don't deliver quite the Amperage that chargers pull, but then again, they run 2-4 chargers at the same time on the same 20A PSU. Generally, the sites are telling me you can expect anywhere from 1 to 4 Amps from the computer PSU's. One thing I see mentioned frequently is to put a load on the +5V line, to stabilize the +12 one, they suggest a 1 ohm 10 watt resistor to provide a load, or a cheaper alternative is just a 12V car lightbulb. If you know as much about computers as I do, you would know the ATX "Green to ground" trick to get them to power up. Others are going to strongly suggest just saving for the right supply, but I suppose you could use the PC PSU in the meantime.

[RockDragon]

Here are the links that show a lot of details.

http://www.nfdc.net/home/cbdb/12%20V%20Power%20Supply.htm

http://reckerclub.tripod.com/id105.html

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[relayer]

I've been searching the forums and i couldn't find like instructions on how to mod one. I'm a computer builder and know a lot more about pc's than R/C's lol. But yea i just got this ac/dc lipo charger to my mini-t. I've got a 300watt psu sitting in my closest from a recently built pc. i'de like to mod it but don't know where to start =P Any help would be great! pics would help even more :o

I'm using a 400w which puts out 18A on the 12v line. Check the label on the PSU for the current ratings because a 300w unit might not be good enough.

I have instructions that I can send you, and they are fairly simple to follow.

But PLEASE, don't attempt this unless you know what you're doing - I get tired of arguing with people who say it's too dangerous :rolleyes:

[RockDragon]

................i just got this ac/dc lipo charger to my mini-t. I've got a 300watt psu sitting in my closest from a recently built pc...................

Mini Z ... What charger is it? You mentioned it's ac/dc lipo charger. Why do you need the DC supply? I'm just curious.

If you really go ahead with the PC PSU. Make sure you do everything correctly. Double check all wiring before powering up. Last thing to make sure is the Ground is connected to the Mains Earth.

Electronics is very different from computer building.

[TimisTim]

This is very interesting, my brother is a computer guy I'll have to shoot this at him tomorrow and make a thread of my conversion. Considering I have many computers just sitting around from him this will save me alot of money.

[Mini Z]

Prolux Li-Po charger, it only needs to do 3amps max :p and it can do 3 cell li-po. Which is perfect as my mamba in my mini-t can only take max 3 cells

http://members.lycos.co.uk/poypoy/Mini-t/DSC03338.JPG

[RockDragon]

It's a DC only Charger that need a minimum 3 amp power supply. In case you change your mind not to mod one up and looking to buy one. I found couple that you should have a look at.

http://www.web-tronics.com/136ampdcrepo.html

http://www.73.com/specs/mc632.shtml
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