XingXing

hi, when i connect charger to the PS it makes a spark (called arcing?) and it makes my PS switch off, So basically i need to turn off my PS before connecting a charger, which sometimes is not practical.

is there anything i can do to prevent the arcing caused by the charger when connecting it?

nikkiesteban

iTrader: (5)

maybe your PS is low on amps to your chargers need... try more other PS that has higher amps.. BTW what is your PS amps?

XingXing

25amp computer ps

ChrisP

iTrader: (11)

I installed the Sermos (black and red lego block style) connectors on to my chargers PS cable, and on the power supply I instaled a couple pieces of wire with those connectors...

no arcing when you plug in, and it also protects against hooking the charger up backwards(reverse polarity)

You can still use the clips by installing the mating plugs onto the clip section of the charger's power cable that you cut earlier...

It works nice!

BadSign

iTrader: (15)

If you haven't modified your PS at all, it will need capacitors installed. Look around here or on Hobbytalk, maybe even rc-oval.com for conversion instructions.

XingXing

hi, how are those sermo plugs different to say bannana plugs? i tried bananna plugs and they still arc.

ChrisP

iTrader: (11)

you're plugging both in at the same time....vs. separately with banana plugs

rcguy2477

iTrader: (4)

Computer power supplies are created to operate on a constant load. When a large load is put on(ie. connecting a charger), it causes current spike, which will in turn turn off the power supply.

ChrisP

iTrader: (11)

which explains the earlier posters comments about adding a capacitor...

Actually, in just about any PS, they recommend to power it off before connecting to it anyway...

XrayFK

iTrader: (1)

Try turning the ps on after you have the charger plugged into it.

asw7576

Computer ATX PSU have built in protection against sudden voltage drop / over current / spikes. It will shut down in split second to protect the systems.

So plug in your stuffs before turn it on.

Alfalfameister

iTrader: (1)

I also understand the need for "plugging stuff in" before turning on the PS, but what if there were something already plugged in the PS (say, another charger?).

XrayFK

iTrader: (1)

Then you have to wait, or keep everything plugged in from the start.

Scrubb

intresting, since plugging in the charger causes the power supply to shut off anyway, it wouldn't seem very impractical to turn off the power supply first to begin with. Really, either way the power supply is going to get turned off.

I'm glad I bought a hobby grade power supply designed for the application from the start so I didn't have to deal with such a ridiculous self created problem.