Go Back  R/C Tech Forums > General Forums > Radio and Electronics
using computer server power supply for charging station >

using computer server power supply for charging station

Community
Wiki Posts
Search

using computer server power supply for charging station

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 02-10-2013 | 06:39 PM
  #1  
zeeman's Avatar
Thread Starter
Tech Addict
iTrader: (32)
 
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 593
From: st augustine ,fl
Default 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.
Attached Thumbnails using computer server power supply for charging station-4.jpg   using computer server power supply for charging station-5.jpg   using computer server power supply for charging station-6.jpg  
zeeman is offline  
Old 02-10-2013 | 07:25 PM
  #2  
matt*strike's Avatar
Tech Master
iTrader: (41)
 
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,178
From: Christopher, IL
Default

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.
matt*strike is offline  
Old 02-10-2013 | 07:27 PM
  #3  
matt*strike's Avatar
Tech Master
iTrader: (41)
 
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,178
From: Christopher, IL
Default

It would look sick painted up on the inside.
matt*strike is offline  
Old 02-10-2013 | 07:33 PM
  #4  
zeeman's Avatar
Thread Starter
Tech Addict
iTrader: (32)
 
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 593
From: st augustine ,fl
Default psu

Originally Posted by matt*strike
It would look sick painted up on the inside.

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.
zeeman is offline  
Old 02-10-2013 | 07:33 PM
  #5  
CarbonJoe's Avatar
Regional Moderator
 
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,664
Default

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
CarbonJoe is offline  
Old 02-10-2013 | 07:36 PM
  #6  
zeeman's Avatar
Thread Starter
Tech Addict
iTrader: (32)
 
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 593
From: st augustine ,fl
Default

Originally Posted by CarbonJoe
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
That is where I got most of my info.Very informative!
zeeman is offline  
Old 02-10-2013 | 07:56 PM
  #7  
zeeman's Avatar
Thread Starter
Tech Addict
iTrader: (32)
 
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 593
From: st augustine ,fl
Default here

Originally Posted by zeeman
That is where I got most of my info.Very informative!
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.
Attached Thumbnails using computer server power supply for charging station-psuwire.jpg  
zeeman is offline  
Old 02-12-2013 | 09:51 AM
  #8  
Tech Elite
iTrader: (33)
 
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 2,384
From: Austin, Tx
Default

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.
dgrobe2112 is offline  
Old 02-12-2013 | 09:54 AM
  #9  
zeeman's Avatar
Thread Starter
Tech Addict
iTrader: (32)
 
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 593
From: st augustine ,fl
Default supply

Originally Posted by dgrobe2112
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.
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.
zeeman is offline  
Old 02-12-2013 | 07:02 PM
  #10  
Tech Adept
iTrader: (18)
 
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 106
Default

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
ebomb is offline  
Old 02-12-2013 | 07:23 PM
  #11  
zeeman's Avatar
Thread Starter
Tech Addict
iTrader: (32)
 
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 593
From: st augustine ,fl
Default

Originally Posted by ebomb
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
zeeman is offline  
Old 02-12-2013 | 07:30 PM
  #12  
zeeman's Avatar
Thread Starter
Tech Addict
iTrader: (32)
 
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 593
From: st augustine ,fl
Default ps

Originally Posted by zeeman
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
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
zeeman is offline  
Old 02-13-2013 | 07:46 AM
  #13  
Tech Fanatic
iTrader: (13)
 
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 875
From: Round Lake, IL
Default

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.
WindDrake is offline  
Old 02-13-2013 | 07:56 AM
  #14  
CarbonJoe's Avatar
Regional Moderator
 
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,664
Default

Try here for C19 power cables:

http://www.cables.com/Category/Cable...-125-Volt.aspx
CarbonJoe is offline  
Old 02-13-2013 | 01:48 PM
  #15  
Tech Master
iTrader: (39)
 
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 1,293
From: Henderson, NV
Default

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.
ufoDziner is offline  


Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.