Hemi6677

In the process of purchasing a new ICE charger but looking to buy a motor lathe and other goodies that will require the use of a power supply also.

So what I need are some good recommendations for a reasonably affordable power supply. I need one that can run two chargers, a charger and lathe, or similar items at the same time. I do not need one that will power a small city.

I have been looking a multiple types of 10 - 20 amp power supplies but I'm not sure which are dependable and provide reliable power.

So far my choices are:
Competition Electronics Power Supply 23 Amp $114.99
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bi...?&I=LXHMR7&P=ML

Rivergate 15 Amp DC Bulldog Power Supply $119.99
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bi...?&I=LXEG98&P=ML

Associated LRP 14 Amp Power Supply $109.99 (I really like the looks of this one)
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bi...p?&I=LXLGF3&P=7

Integy 14A SHE Power Supply 12V14A 18A Max $99.99
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bi...p?&I=LXKSY7&P=7

Ofna Power Supply 9-14V 18A 110AC $94.99
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bi...p?&I=LXKLP2&P=7

OR
RadioShack - 13.8VDC 15-Amp Power Supply $79.99
http://www.radioshack.com/product/i...rentPage=family

As you can see I have been looking in the 10 - 20 amp range. Is this enough to do what I want or do I need to bite the bullet and go up into the 25 - 35 amp range? Please give me your recommendations or suggestions.

If I had the money to spend I would get this!
Integy Super Power Station 36A 12V Power Supply $179.99
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bi...p?&I=LXLWF4&P=7

This to me looks like the cats meow for power supplies!

Any and all suggestions appreciated!

cybcow

iTrader: (3)

This is the one, its very popular with the r/c crowd which says something. Its pretty small and packs a punch and is very reliable. I wouldn't take a second guess this is the one:

Competition Electronics Power Supply 23 Amp $114.99
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bi...?&I=LXHMR7&P=ML

UN4RACING

iTrader: (22)

Right now I'm using the radio shack one with the ice. No problems yet and the charger sits on top of the power supply perfect. Yet the 18x2 36 amp from integy is the to do if you plan to ever true tires.
They look a little big. I use a bulldog 30 for truing tires. Good luck there's a lot out there to choose from.

MEGAVOLTS

I use the pyramid PSV-200 . It's small, It's a 20 amp, And works very well.

AssocRacer

iTrader: (10)

I just bought the Competition Electronics 23 amp one, i love it.... i run three chargers with it at once, and a smart tray and a few fans...doesn't skip a beat, and 114 bucks for 23 amps ain't too bad at all.

RoachRacing

here is a link to the pyramid one.
http://www.buyreliant.com/psupplies/psv200.htm

Also if you want your company name on one like CE or Radio shack (same power supply) you just need to order like 500 of them

maxepower

iTrader: (1)

I have the Novak 10 amp power supply, looks good and works great. I have it for sale for $40 plus shipping! I bought a 24 amp powersupply from Radio shack for $100 which is what I paid for the Novak brand new! So, PM me if your interested!

lonestar1127

iTrader: (1)

anyone noe hw to convert the competition electronics power supply to accept 230v input?

joe of loath

iTrader: (1)

not possible without an amount of electrical training and some expensive parts, like a 240-110 volt transformer.

Marcos.J

iTrader: (239)

i've been using this one from radio shack for 4 years now never had a problem with it

wyd

iTrader: (51)

You can't beat these for the price. I been using them for a year now and it works great. For the price it is great. Are local shop carries this first one with the digital display.

http://www.hobbypeople.net/gallery/158303.asp

This is another one from Ripmax but has single output and no digital display.
http://www.hobbypeople.net/gallery/158303.asp

andrewdoherty

iTrader: (49)

I just finished converting another computer PS with built in distribution box. It will push at least 16 amps and includes 2.8 v and 5 v lines. I have been making these for several months and they are all I use. I keep one at home and one in my pit bag for the track. I can run two chargers at 6 amps, break in a motor, power my iPod speakers, and turn a comm all at the same time. I even have a 20 amp version that I can charge two lipos at 10 amps each with. PM me if you are interested in the 16 amp I just made $50 shipped to USCON. In almost every aspect; size, price, convenience, I think these type PS are better than anything available.

James35

iTrader: (1)

Normally, 20-30 amps is preferrable. Most chargers only need around 10-14 amps so you really only need enough to cover all items you'll be running simultaneously, or enough to start your biggest power item. In my case, it's the Hudy Automatic Tire Truer. I've noticed that some power supplies handle an initial spike of amp draw differently. I have a thread about the Hudy Automatic Tire Truer and power supplies here.The Hudy initially draws more than 32amps of power when it turns over the motor, then falls below 20 amps (I would guess somewhere in the 10 amp range).

The Alinco 330MV power supply is known as one of the best in the Ham radio hobby. It has the most features, adjustable voltage (5V - 15V), programmable pre-set voltage function, noise cleaning, excellent metal construction, and it's bulletproof. It's safety features prevent sending more than 32amps. It will not start my Hudy because of this safety feature. The fan is off unless needed, then it's variable speed, very nice! Price is $140.


I have purchased many of the Pyramid PSV200 (20 amp) and PSV300's (30 amp). Of the two, I actually like the PSV200 better because the fan only comes on when needed, and the power button is a big pushbutton instead of a rocker switch. I've had 1 PSV300 arive DOA. The PSV200 will not start my Hudy properly. Price is $55-$65.


The Radio Shack power supplies look very similar to the Pyramid power supplies, and have similar features, but cost more.

The most popular "gotta have it" power supply in our RC world, is the Rivergate Bulldogs. IOTA is a lesser known name in the RC world, but it's actually the parent company of Rivergate. (Rigergate is simply a rebadged IOTA.) These are known as the workhorse powersupplies. Excellent electronic quality. Option to switch it from 13.8V to 14.2V using a phone plug jumper. Easy to mount this power supply on something. The fan is off unless needed, but Ive noticed even at idle (no load) the fan will turn on VERY slowly for a minute, then off for about 7 minutes). Kind of annoying since the super slow fan speed is not really moving any air. 30 amp price is $120 for the IOTA, $165 for the Rivergate. (Yes they are the same thing).

The recently batch of IOTA's and Rivergates have changed their exterior to a very bland (ugly in my opinion) looking exterior. Looks like a hunk of dull sheetmetal bent into a box shape. They removed the heat sink fins on the 30 amp and 15 amp versions as well. They don't even have a power switch!

But you certainly can't knock the power of these power supplies. IOTA DLS-30M starts the Hudy correctly with this power supply.

clockworks

I'm using a slimline PC PSU with a distribution box (4 outputs, on-off switch and PSU-off-car battery switch) to run 2 CS Spacecharger Pros, a B5 LiPo charger and a cooling fan. I've got the whole lot fitted into a small carry case 16x12x5. The case also stores all the leads and adaptors, and acts as a platform for the cells being charged.

With this setup I can run from AC when racing indoors, or from a car battery for outdoors, with the flick of a switch.

slammin

iTrader: (88)

I had a 20amp rivergate bulldog that I have been using since I started (about 12 years now)and have never had a problem with it and I have ran 3 chargers off of it a one time,2 turbo 35's and a pit bull.I also have a 15 amp rivergate that I leave on my bench at home.