110VAC to 12VDC converter

[ATC]

I'm looking for a cheap converter that I can plug into the wall and run some 12V DC stuff. Mainly, I have a automotive fog light that I would like to use as a light over my toolbox (that I use as a workbench).

I'd also like to use it to test other small items when I need to, instead of going out into the driveway and opening the hood of my truck to use its battery.

I've thought about a computer's power supply, but I don't have anywhere to mount that huge box (nor do I want something that big).

Do they make something that looks like an automotive fuse block that you'd find in your car/truck? That would be perfect for me, as I might need to change the amperage around some (5A light, 15A stereo, 20A relay, etc...)

Oh, and the cheaper the better. Money is tight!

 

[Norcal]

There are 120 VAC to 12 VDC power supplies out there, think that even Radio Shack sells them.

Use a search engine to find them. http://www.lmgtfy.com/?q=120+VAC+to+12+VDC+power+supplies

 

[ATC]

I did search, and have looked around Google a little bit. Maybe someone here has a great set-up that can't be found on Google? Maybe someone here has tried some brands and found they were junk...or they were great.

Isn't that the point of these forums? Information exchange.

Simply telling everyone to "Google it" is not helping anyone.

Did you even read my post? Did you miss my amperage requirements?

 

[ibedayank]

http://www.copper.com/cart/index.php?cPath=58&osCsid=8d34e90c463b0f313eb9b913cc720bbb
gonna want at least a 10amp or more better to have to much then not enough
10amps will run most carstero head units

 

[Norcal]

I did search, and have looked around Google a little bit. Maybe someone here has a great set-up that can't be found on Google? Maybe someone here has tried some brands and found they were junk...or they were great.

Isn't that the point of these forums? Information exchange.

Simply telling everyone to "Google it" is not helping anyone.

Did you even read my post? Did you miss my amperage requirements?

Did you by chance check the link?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

 

[ddawg16]

Did you by chance check the link?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

Some people have to be spoon fed......

ATC.....here is one....(but you have to click the link)

http://www.automationdirect.com/adc...osed_Panel_Mount_(RHINO_PSS_Series)/PSS12-100

It's good to 100w....a little over 8a.....it's about $30.....above 100w the price starts to really go up....a linear is going to be in the $100+ range....and thats off Fleabay.

 

[ATC]

Did you by chance check the link?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

Yes, I did check the link. Takes me right back to google which is where I started before even starting this thread.

I guess I'm missing the point of online message boards...

 

[ATC]

http://www.copper.com/cart/index.php?cPath=58&osCsid=8d34e90c463b0f313eb9b913cc720bbb
gonna want at least a 10amp or more better to have to much then not enough
10amps will run most carstero head units

Thanks. Have you used these before?

 

[ForceFed70]

If you've got an old computer sitting around, steal the power supply out of it.

It's really easy to modify one for use as a benchtop power supply and they put out a lot of current. Lots of instructions to be found on the net for how to do this

 

[sberry]

As for the light, find a 120V fixture. As for testing a supply or battery charger.

 

[GreyOwl]

I did search, and have looked around Google a little bit. Maybe someone here has a great set-up that can't be found on Google? Maybe someone here has tried some brands and found they were junk...or they were great.

Isn't that the point of these forums? Information exchange.

Simply telling everyone to "Google it" is not helping anyone.

Did you even read my post? Did you miss my amperage requirements?

In the power requirements you are looking for, they are going to be larger than a computer P/S. Find a place for one and just use it. I have one on the back corner of my workbench and it works fine for about anything I have thrown at it.
Another option is a spare battery, even a small mower or motorcycle battery, set under your bench with a charger hooked to it to charge it as necessary.
Years ago I even used an old battery charger alone for the same purpose, but it can't be some of the new electronic chargers.
If you really want a DIY power supply, check out some electronics forums and find out how to build your own(I've got a couple of those also)
There is no "one size fits all" for everybody. Keep searching until you find one that fits your requirements.

 

[ibedayank]

ATC
Yes I have used the tripplite brand up to 50 amps to run amature radio amps and radios
Still use a 10amp for testing in the shop much safer then using a battery

 

[mrb]

If you're on a budget nothing will be cheaper than an old computer power supply.

 

[Socophreak]

PC Power supply. Take apart the case and mount it to the wall. The cheap unit I pulled out of a pre-built will still put out 14A at 12VDC. Should be plenty of juice.

Also, Current is a result of resistance and applied voltage. You can't 'change' current. You can change resistance and voltage though.

 

[Delta74]

try these.

http://www.wikihow.com/Convert-a-Computer-ATX-Power-Supply-to-a-Lab-Power-Supply

or
http://www.instructables.com/id/Convert-an-ATX-Power-Supply-Into-a-Regular-DC-Powe/

 

[ATC]

PC Power supply. Take apart the case and mount it to the wall. The cheap unit I pulled out of a pre-built will still put out 14A at 12VDC. Should be plenty of juice.

Also, Current is a result of resistance and applied voltage. You can't 'change' current. You can change resistance and voltage though.

I thought they only put out 6A or so? That's a reason why I was leaning away from them too...Hmmm...

try these.

http://www.wikihow.com/Convert-a-Computer-ATX-Power-Supply-to-a-Lab-Power-Supply

or
http://www.instructables.com/id/Convert-an-ATX-Power-Supply-Into-a-Regular-DC-Powe/

Thanks! I guess ya'll have talked me into trying the power supply route.

 

[darkk]

Here is a link to give you an idea on how to convert a PC power supply into a bench power supply
http://www.wikihow.com/Convert-a-Computer-ATX-Power-Supply-to-a-Lab-Power-Supply

 

[Socophreak]

I thought they only put out 6A or so? That's a reason why I was leaning away from them too...Hmmm...




Thanks! I guess ya'll have talked me into trying the power supply route.

no my CHEAP one puts out 14A. The one I currently run will put out 70A on the 12V rail. (840W of power).

 

[madosta]

An interesting thing I found in the garage I'm renovating was a doorbell transformer mounted to a junction box right at the workbench. I have no idea the DC output stats though and don't plan on testing it out. Just thought it was funny.

 

[JakeKohl]

An interesting thing I found in the garage I'm renovating was a doorbell transformer mounted to a junction box right at the workbench. I have no idea the DC output stats though and don't plan on testing it out. Just thought it was funny.

I thought those were 24v AC (not actually converting to DC).

 

[madosta]

I thought those were 24v AC (not actually converting to DC).

Hmmm, could be. I didn't pull out my Fluke to check it and had already cut the romex feeding it. I thought "Hmm maybe the previous owner had a car radio or something wired here". Don't know what's in them just some coils I guess, no diode bridge or anything. My assumption was wrong then. Weird spot for a transformer.

"WHO PUTS A DOORBELL ON THEIR GARAGE!!" lol

 

[ForceFed70]

That is weird. I can confirm that doorbells run on a 24VAC circuit tho.

 

[madosta]

Here it is. I couldn't read the output, since I think it's on the back, but I'll take it off one of these days.

 

[rcp2]

Use the car battiery charger thats not used very offten

 

[Stuart in MN]

Doorbells are run on AC - sometimes 24volts AC, sometimes 16 volts AC. Those transfomers are pretty low current, less than one amp.

As for DC power supplies, I'd recommend a linear power supply from someone like Condor or Power-One (they're basically the same power supply, just sold under two different names.) You can usually find them on eBay for pretty cheap, and they're high quality devices with a clean output. Here are a couple examples:

3.4 amp, 12VDC: http://www.ebay.com/itm/CONDOR-12V-3-4A-DC-POWER-SUPPLY-HC12-3-4-A-/271048395658

10.2 amp, 12VDC: http://www.ebay.com/itm/CONDOR-12V-10-2A-DC-POWER-SUPPLY-HE12-10-2-A-/290760921390

edit: You can get these power supplies rated at 15 volts as well, but I believe on most of them the voltage can be adjusted down to 12 volts. Since automotive stuff generally runs at something greater than 12 volts anyway (when the car's engine is running you usually see 13.5 volts or so) it gives you more to select from.

 

[ATC]

Thanks. They look good. A friend of mine has an old computer I could get...but it's buried in the very back of a shipping container!

 

[maxspeed96ct]

Superbrightleds.com has a few to choose from.

 

[elguappo]

I actually like the old OLD style, AT computer power supplies.
You don't have to jumper a sensor wire, they have a pushbutton on/off switch, and can be had CHEAP at many surplus places.
I have a few in a bin, along with a selection of different colored binding posts for different voltage outputs.
They will typically have 3.3, 5, & 12v outputs (and 0/ground).
However since DC is all about voltage differential, you can combine those rails. EG: 3.3 & 12v will get you 8.7, or 12v & 5 will net you 7v.
Very useful for testing out different devices, especially finding a good level for a DC fan to blow.

 

[HeadsUp]

This is such a difficult question to answer without knowing a lot more about what you trying to power. You could go crazy and get something like...

http://www.us.tdk-lambda.com/hp/product_html/genesys1u.htm

But you mentioned cheap. ATX 400W supply would be cheap/easy way to go.

400W (loading shown in Amps)
Loading +12V1 +12V2 +5V +3.3V -12V +5Vsb
Full 12 14 9 11 0.3 1.0
Typical 5 9 3 5 0.1 1.0
Light 3 3 1 3 0.0 1.0

Tons of how-tos how to convert these to bench supplies. Plus you can combine the rails (i.e. +12V1 + +12V2 = 12A + 14A = 26A or 312Watts).

You mentioned a 20A relay. Doesn't mean the relay will consume 20A. It means it is capable of passing 20A safely.

 

[Big-Foot]

I think I would look into using a 12v Booster Pack of the needs are relatively short term, and you would also have that booster pack handy for when the kids leave the dome light on and drain the battery dead and need a boost! You see these on sale all the time, plus they have a charger pack that comes along with them.

Or

Pick up a 20amp battery charger at Harbor Freight - that will work fine for running lights, but will introduce a 60 cycle humm into anything audio running on it from my past experience..