Voltage/Polarity Error
 

Hello all,

I recently purchased a different PS (Bulldog RDC-30-VO) because my Dynamite PS had only one output and I wanted to run both my Thunder Power 610C and 1010C chargers simultaneously. Both of my chargers are now reporting a voltage error and/or a polarity error when I try charging when they are plugged into the PS. The PS has two outputs and neither work for either charger.

Now this PS is new to me, but was purchased used and I never had issues with either charger before plugging them into this PS. Unfortunately, when I got the charger, I never tested it beyond plugging it in and seeing that the chargers came on. In addition, I have since sold my Dynamite PS so I can't see if the chargers are still working on it.

I have a few questions:

1) I have been able to find the Rivergate Distribution website, but it makes no mention of repair options. Anyone know of a company or individual I can potentially hire to evaluate and fix the unit?

2) Is it worth repairing? It was an expensive purchase (as far as used PSs go) and it is a Bulldog so it should be a good PS. However it is heavy and would likely cost at least $15 for just return shipping. Assuming even $50 for parts and labor, that is $65 minimum.

3) Is it possible I am doing something silly? Why would the charger get enough power to turn on, but not enough to charge anything? In terms of required power to charge, which is important the voltage or the amperes? Is there a way for me to check how many amps and how much voltage is being delivered on each output channel?

4) Is there a power supply out there that would allow me to run both chargers simultaneously?

Thanks a lot.

The first problem is that your RDC-30-VO has 2 outputs. One fixed 13.8 and another 1.4 to 8 Volts. The 13.8 volt output is what your chargers need (at least 11v). The other output (1.4-8 volts) isn't enough to run a charger. Only one output on your power supply is enough to power a charger. So even if this power supply was new and working 100%, the variable voltage output wont run a charger even when it is cranked all the way to 8v. This 1.4 to 8 volt output is designed for running a motor for break-in or comm lathes.

Now check the voltage on the 13.8 output. It should be very close to this voltage. If its below 11v, it wont work with the chargers. Most chargers need 11v to work.

Also check on the settings in your chargers for a Low Voltage error and make sure its not set on something too high. I have a 1010c and it is set at 11v. So if my Power supply goes below 11v, i will get an error.

Any power supply will allow you to run as many things as you want as long as you dont go over the rated output capacity of the PS. If you have a 20 amp PS, you can run 20 things on it until you go over 20 amps of load. You just need to know how to correctly attach it to the charger. I use banana plugs which allow me to use 2 chargers on one PS:

http://www.muellerelectric.com/images/BU00249LG.jpg

You can plug in another set of banana plugs into this set. That way you can run 2 chargers off one power supply. You don't necessarily need two discreet outputs.

How do I check the voltage on the output?

Anyone?

You need a voltmeter and touch the probe to the + and - terminals to measure the voltage.

I'm sorry - really very clueless about this.

Would this work?

yep

Hmm.

Also why am I checking volts and not amps? Aren't the amps what is important?

You need to check the volts to make sure the power supply is outputting the minimum voltage for the charger to work. YOu can check the amperage later, but the most important thing is voltage for now.

In checking the various multimeters, it seems like a lot of them will max out at a certain number of amps. The one I listed above seems to max out at 200mA or .2 amps which wouldn't be enough to test my PS.

10A won't even be enough since my PS is rated at 30A.

I am a little confused here. I can buy that multimeter to test the voltage, but if we are just going to turn around and measure the amps next, it won't serve much purpose. To go much more expense, like this one from Radio Shack rated at 10A maximum is doable, but does it make sense since I can buy a new PS for only about $15 more.

You dont really need to measure amps now. Just worry about voltage for now.

OK - I will drop into Radio Shack today and buy the cheapest unit that gives me voltage reading.

BTW - Thanks a lot for your help.

NP

OK - so the volts readings look good.

The main output registered 14.08v and the switched output measured 7.63 and moved up and down as I adjusted the dial.

Well, that voltage looks good. But now I'm not sure what the problem could be.