Are 12V Power supplies any good?

[Huw333]

When i used to race, everyone used 12V car batteries, but i've noticed a few of these 12V supplies around for sale and was wondering if they're any good?

Has anyone got any reccomendations if i were to get one?

How do they work exactly? Can you just plug them into the mains to charge them or do you need a special charger?

Thanks in advance

[Col]

They are worth their weight in old as far as I'm concerned! No need to lug heavy 12v around most of the time.
As for charging, just plug into the mains and your charger into the power supply exactly the same as if it were a 12v battery.
You can pick them up loads of places - look to pay between £30 and £40 for a good brand new one.

[GRIFF55]

I have to agree, brilliant. You may also need a generator or plug into a mates if racing outdoors and can't reach a 240 power point.

[JCJC]

Originally Posted by Huw333

How do they work exactly? Can you just plug them into the mains to charge them or do you need a special charger?

Plug em into the mains (or a genny) and they step down the voltage, giving much the same as the battery you lug around. You can also convert an old PC power supply, rip the back off your computer now !

[Huw333]

Ok i may have this wrong - i was thinking that these power supplies can be used on their own, without being plugged into the mains - except when they need charging?

Or are they just like a step-down transformer so need a constant 240V supply to run?

[josh_smaxx]

Originally Posted by Huw333

Ok i may have this wrong - i was thinking that these power supplies can be used on their own, without being plugged into the mains - except when they need charging?

Or are they just like a step-down transformer so need a constant 240V supply to run?

No, they stay plugged into the wall, some magic happens inside and 12v DC comes out the front for your charger

[LEGEND]

Originally Posted by JCJC

You can also convert an old PC power supply, rip the back off your computer now !

This is also what i use. Only cost me about £20 for all the bits and a brand-new power supply. I think it gives out something like 16amps so will do the job no problem.

[Huw333]

I've got loads of old pc power supplies around, but that wasnt really what i was after, i was under the impression that you could actually use them like a 12V battery, without the need for a constant 12V supply, and then just charge it when it goes flat.

I do the majority of my racing outdoors so thats what i was after. Is there nothing around like that?

Thanks for you help btw guys

[bigred5765]

im not sure what you mean
we use a 12volt power supply but you have to have a genny or something to power it
the only thing i can see you using is a battery.dont think theres anything like a power supply that holds a charge mate

[josh_smaxx]

Originally Posted by Huw333

I've got loads of old pc power supplies around, but that wasnt really what i was after, i was under the impression that you could actually use them like a 12V battery, without the need for a constant 12V supply, and then just charge it when it goes flat.

I do the majority of my racing outdoors so thats what i was after. Is there nothing around like that?

Thanks for you help btw guys

Well your after a 12v like you said or a genny, power supplies are an indoor alternative to a 12v battery where mains are available.

[super__dan]

I think he means like those 12V car starter packs with jumpers on. Not as good as a leisure battery which is low amp long life,

[josh_smaxx]

Originally Posted by super__dan

I think he means like those 12V car starter packs with jumpers on. Not as good as a leisure battery which is low amp long life,

Oh ye, forgot about those. Iv seen them in Halfords, there like 20A and expensive, i paid £40 for my 80A (or 85, cant remember) 12V leisure battery, can get 100A for £56.

[bigred5765]

but still have a battery inside

[Huw333]

Originally Posted by super__dan

I think he means like those 12V car starter packs with jumpers on. Not as good as a leisure battery which is low amp long life,

Well that wasnt exactly what i was thinking of, but thats what i thought these 12V supplys were.

Thanks for clearing that up anyway, i guess i'll get myself a 12V car battery! Any ideas on whaty specification it should be?

[dave g]

leisure cell for a caravan is ideal,they can withstand deep dicharge cycles much better than a normal car battery,a 75 amp one will see you thru a days racing

[Huw333]

How much should i expect to pay??

[Col]

I got the biggest diesel battery I could find from a scrap yard. Don;t use it anymore now, but it would run a full weekend if you were carefull about how mush you use it. Leasure battery's are much more expensive, but slightly better in the long run.

[JCJC]

Originally Posted by Huw333

How much should i expect to pay??

Look in your local caravan store, its the right time of year for deals

[daz]

Originally Posted by Col

I got the biggest diesel battery I could find from a scrap yard. Don;t use it anymore now, but it would run a full weekend if you were carefull about how mush you use it. Leasure battery's are much more expensive, but slightly better in the long run.

Ive been called some stange names in the past but never a scrap yard

[josh_smaxx]

As i said, i got my 80A (or maybe 85) for £40 from a local caravan store, check them out, much much much better than the likes of Hlaford who charge £90 for a 60A leisure battery