I'm in need of a good power supply for testing 12 volt equipment. Can one be had for $150 or less that can supply 50 to 70 amps?
The easiest way to get that kind of current is a battery.
The trouble with a battery is that it can supply that kind of current.
Better to have a lower current lab PSU with current limiting and a battery for when you really need the current IMO.
The trouble with a battery is that it can supply that kind of current.
Better to have a lower current lab PSU with current limiting and a battery for when you really need the current IMO.
Yes, if you don't mind using a computer power supply. You will have to keep a small load on the +12 and +5V rails and add a power switch.
Something like this single 12V rail 83A,.
LEPA MaxBron B1000-MB 1000W ATX CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC Power Supply - Newegg.com
Something like this single 12V rail 83A,.
LEPA MaxBron B1000-MB 1000W ATX CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC Power Supply - Newegg.com
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Maybe the transformer from a cheap 120 arc welder (might have to remove a series inductor winding). Big bridge rectifier, big caps, then a whole bunch of cheap power transistors paralleled and with emitter resistors.
The problem with a battery is that it only represents the "engine off" situation. Most of the time, 12V gear is running from the alternator power which floats the battery at around 14V. I'm not sure what happens when the bass hits and an amp demands more than the alternator can supply... does the voltage have to drop to 12V before the battery can supply anything? I've been meaning to test that...
The problem with a battery is that it only represents the "engine off" situation. Most of the time, 12V gear is running from the alternator power which floats the battery at around 14V. I'm not sure what happens when the bass hits and an amp demands more than the alternator can supply... does the voltage have to drop to 12V before the battery can supply anything? I've been meaning to test that...
Thanks guys,
I've considered all of your suggestions and decided on spending a little extra for a Pyramid PS52-KX for about $220.00. I'm a bit spoiled at work having 3-50 amp astrons on my bench and a floater if I need it,plus 2 banks of 6 astrons all master/slave controlled and w/current and voltage meters for the AP testing stations.But,sadly my budget is not that flexible!! Maybe one day I will build something along the lines of what Dangus proposed.
I've considered all of your suggestions and decided on spending a little extra for a Pyramid PS52-KX for about $220.00. I'm a bit spoiled at work having 3-50 amp astrons on my bench and a floater if I need it,plus 2 banks of 6 astrons all master/slave controlled and w/current and voltage meters for the AP testing stations.But,sadly my budget is not that flexible!! Maybe one day I will build something along the lines of what Dangus proposed.
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