Power supply ?

[CandyRedTC4]

Ok Im new on this hobby. First I thought I only need the batteries to make the car run and be able to race with others but its way more than that...

I have 2 chargers. One was my first peak charger by Dynamite (prophet plus).
I use it to charge my practice batteries and the other charger is my Duratrax
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXUF45&P=0 For my race batteries. I know its not the best chargers but since I already have 'em I might as well use it. I only race stock sportsman rubber anyways.

Ok here's the question. Why do I need a Power supply for? I was told that it supplys a stable voltage on the chargers that is why racers get 'em but is there any other reason why I should get one?

If I do get one how many amps do I need to get. I have a comm lathe and the 2 chargers. One I use for 4 amps and the other for 6 amps.

[tadium54]

some chargers are dc only. if you get one, id look for something in the 15-20 amp range. i have a tripplite 40 amp one and its amazing

[dhutch]

Yeah you need a 12v, or 13.8vdc PowerSuppey, or use a 12v lead acid acumulator (ie, car battery)


Daniel

[baih]

if you really enjoy this hobby, i recommend getting a power supply. the stable voltage theory is true. most of your better chargers require a power supply. i would get at least 14 amp to 30 amp. i have a 20 amp and 30 amp.
the 20 amp is more compact. Samlex 1223. this is the same power supply that radio shack sells. since xmas is just around a corner, watch the sales at radio shack. the power supply occasionally goes on sale for $75.00. chargers that have the motor run in feature usually recommend 15amp power supply.
to run my lathe or brush serrator i use 12 volt motors. i can plug in the 12 volt motor to run the lathe while i am charging a battery.

[modifiedrs4evo3]

Yep its a good idea

[dhutch]

I have a 60amp unit which is old telephone exchange equpiment, cost me £40 and has can output 3-20v (set at 13.8v) and holds very steady, even if you load it to 50amp, and then take the load of, it only gets to about 15v (mesured on schools CRO)
- And its got a intantaious trip, so as soon as you stop overloading it it comes stright back.

Worth its weight in gold! (and itd quite heavy!!)


Daniel

[highroller]

I have a couple of older power supplies and some newer versions. You may be able to get a good inexpensive one from an Electronic Supply House, 15-20amp is minimum with a voltage putput of 12.5 to 13 volts. I used the Rivergate Power Supplies 30 amp Bulldog, 45amp and 75amp older Power Source model. Team 1 RC is also selling a brand or power supply called I think Intelli-Power. The Rivergate and Intelli-Power needs a copper or alumin rod to be installed in the voltage jacks then attach the units you wnat to power to it, plus a little more expensive $149 for a 15amp to 379 for a 75 amps.