One Power Supply with Multiple Chargers?

[founder]

Hello:

I am about to get two Cellpro 4S'. This is going to require a power supply and I am wondering if one power supply can be used to power two chargers or if I will have to get two power supplies.

Also, is there something deadly about using 12v batteries to power chargers? If not, can someone provide estimates to how long you run a charger on a 12v battery?

Finally, any recommendations on power supplies would also be appreciated.

Thanks for the help people.

[HFG]

I run 3 chargers off one computer power supply. As long as the PSU can provide enough current you can connect as many chargers in parallel as you want.

[founder]

I run 3 chargers off one computer power supply. As long as the PSU can provide enough current you can connect as many chargers in parallel as you want.

Is there a document/diagram on how to wire this? Or could you explain how to do this? I have computer PSUs a-plenty so this could be ideal.

Thank you.

[FyrFtrEmt]

I posed the same question a few days ago and got this as an answer:

http://www.integy.com/cgi-bin/webc.cgi/st_prod.html?p_prodid=3653&p_catid=19&sid=7UzLO41kq0YT9no-40107054777.e9

Seems like exactly what I was looking for. I purchased a 12volt power supply from Radio Shack (about $59). It plugs into a 110 outlet and outputs 12 volts through 2 banana jacks (1 set) on the rear of the power supply. I then added banana jacks to my Triton charger.

I also have a 12 volt cigarette lighter with banana jacks on the rear that I can plug my charger into at the field (although only one charger at a time this way).

The link above will allow you to plug directly to your car battery or other 12 volt power source, but there has been quite a bit of discussion about being cautious when using your auto battery. Many recommend a marine battery.

I also use a Black & Decker Powermate that I got at Wal-Mart for $80 so I don't have to use my auto battery. The Powermate has a 110 output as well as a 12 volt outlet, air compressor (useful for "dusting"), jumper cables and a light source.

[HFG]

Converting a computer power supply is straight forward, a quick google search will provide many step by step instructions. Basically you wire up the PS_OK and PS_ON properly then tie a bunch of the yellow and black wires together. Connect all the black wires on all your chargers to the black PSU wires, all the red wires on your chargers to the yellow wires on the PSU (confirm your PSU follows the normal colour code before doing this ).

[kamtsa]

I am using this power supply

http://www.mini-box.com/60w-12v-5A-AC-DC-Power-Adapter?category=13

(one power supply per CellPro 4S but since it costs only $20, not a big deal).

Kam

[HFG]

For $20 and 10min of your time you can rewire a computer supply to power as many as 5 chargers for 450 type packs.

[Avi_Y]

Take a look at this discussion:
http://www.helifreak.com/showthread.php?t=44584