using computer server power supply for charging station
 

I have recently purchased a computer server power supply to convert to power all of my chargers.I was looking to buy a nice power supply that could handle 2-3 chargers at once.When I saw the prices ,I knew I had to find another way.
I knew I wanted at least 40 amps,possibly 60 amps.
I started reading many forum topics and decided to convert a 1200 watt server computer power supply.
I have done a few pc power supplies ,but wasn't happy with the performance.
I purchased 2 1200 watt server power supplies(PSU is what they call them)
These supplies are super reliable and are designed to run all the time.
These supplies are rated at a max of 75 amps@12 volts with a 100-120V ac input.
I got them on ebay for $34.99 shipped for the pair.
These were out of a HP PROLIANT DL580 G5 server.
model number dps 1200 fba
I only had to solder a 560 ohm resister jumping pins 33 and 36
Then soldered 10ga power and ground to the long contact pads,then connected a banana plug terminal and 12v led light.
I then encased the whole thing in lexan to keep out dirt and such.

output was 12.36V with no load
12.28 with 10 amp load
I charged a 4s turnigy lipo with my Icharger set to 15.5 amps.
power supply performed perfectly.
I will test this power supply fully on 3 chargers at once this week.
I'll report on my progress in the near future.
Here are the pics.

Sweet I converted a cpu supply and it has been dropping out on me lately. I thought it was pretty easy to convert. This may be the ticket now.

It would look sick painted up on the inside.

psu
 

Was waiting to try it for a while before making it pretty.When I'm confident enough in it's performance ,I'll probably paint it.
oh.....bending all those bends in the lexan really sucked!!!
I will use this one for home.The other one I have plans to build a travel station.

Check out this thread: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1005309
Good info there, including a wiring diagram.

Power supplies $15.95 w/ free shipping: http://www.ebay.com/itm/HP-HSTNS-PA0...item3f2178d931

Requires a C19 to 5-15P power supply cord
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA300_.jpg

That is where I got most of my info.Very informative!

here
 

This is the layout on the psu I did.
There are contacts on the bottom side as well.I soldered power and ground on both sides for my field supply ,I didn't use the small pins on the bottom side.
The solder flowed really easy on the long contacts,The small pins are kinda tough to solder.Just use a tiny bit of solder on the pin and the resistor.make sure you don't flow on to the other pin traces.
Don't apply to much heat for too long ,or the copper trace will start to separate from the board.

i use a computer power supply, not a server supply.. i only run 2 chargers at the track. the last couple of times, one of my chargers said power supply voltage too low.

supply
 

I've been through about 3 pc supplies...They just cant hang in there.
The server supplies are the way to go.They are designed to run all the time and can handle the amp loads way better.

i have a question, i just bought a power supply w/case from revolectrix. i already had the pl8 charger, so i receive it today and it looks great all tucked in the case tons of room and cutouts are already made for the cooling in the case. so then i notice it requires 2 power cords, now the add said it was a power vault 24v 55a 1320w power supply /2 12v 55a 675w, for299.00 in signapor store , so there a reputable name i thought till i opened up the power suppy and noticed the dell sticker on the power suppy model #d675p-so ,each ps is 675w and 55amps wired in series .are these dell ps gonna last? or did i just spend 299 on a case. i also run 1/5 scale electric and want to charge 2 packs at a time at 20 amps each. thanks for any help

sounds like you might have over paid.
I am not familiar with those ps's
you might be running too close to the max output.
Do they have a return policy or any warranty?if so ,you could do better with your money by building your own.
or having someone do it for you
John

ps
 

I did a little research,Those dell supplies do average around $170 ea(refurbished)
I still think They might be a little undersized for what you need

Actually, you can get the D675P on eBay for around $30 with free shipping.

My guess is they are floating one supply, and then using the case to insulate you against the now-live case of the floating D675.

You can convert a HP 1300w PSU (PN# 406421-001) to RC use for about $20 for the PSU, and another $16 for the power cable. Check out the Thread on RCTech Here

If you're not afraid of wiring stuff up yourself, you might want to save yourself some money.

Try here for C19 power cables:

http://www.cables.com/Category/Cable...-125-Volt.aspx

After building my own heavier setup, I ended up buying a 24v setup from this thread. I've had them for a year now with great luck.