PC power supply for a 12vdc converter.

[MceeD]

Hello all,

In this post http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?t=35112 Some members were discussing the possibility of using a computer power supply as a 12vdc converter. Curiosity got the best of me.

Since my with my background I knew that it was feasible I wanted to check it out. I found a few places of reference. One being http://www.instructables.com/id/Convert-an-ATX-Power-Supply-Into-a-Regular-DC-Powe/

I want to have a clean and stable, high quality 12v power supply since I will have a computer and 2 touchscreen monitors in my TD.

I did a conversion this weekend on a power supply I picked up a Freegeek, a local computer recycler for $10. Mind you, this is a older power supply on the low end of quality/price. The insulated binding posts are pretty cheap at Radio Shack. and USE INSULATED ones :-0 The first one I put together lasted long enough for me to plug it in. :-)

It is an Antec rated for 300w 15a on the 12v rail.

So far so good. I pulled out the 12v and 5v rail. I didn't bother with the (orange wires) 3.3v rail since I will not need it and I doubt most Teardrop people will either. If you are modifying something that used 2 standard 1.5v batteries you might want the 3.3v rail to power them.

Wired up and done:


Power on wire grounded out, this can be put through a switch for remote powering on. Green to Ground. This may be different on some power supplies but Green is the standard.


5vdc rail: Red wires... I will use this for a few usb power ports at a few spots in my trailer.


12vdc rail:Yellow wires...


Under about 12a-14a load. Dropping to 11.5vdc. I ran this for about 30 minutes and it was stable at 11.5vdc.


As you can see it is pretty promising. A higher quality power supply may yield a more stable 12v rail.

My only area of concern is the potential for a battery charger/solar panel to feed back on the 12v rail. I couldn't find anything on if a power supply has this type of protection built in. So I would use a correctly rated blocking diode on the output side of any rail you choose to use.

[Grid Runner Adventures]

what use is a 12v converter for a tear. if you have a 12v setup you probably have solar or a generator. and if you have shore power you probably have a 110 system in the camper too.

ofcourse there are people like me that are just going for a 12v system. so i could see that useful to power my lights and such if i end up having shore power and not keeping batteries charged.

[MceeD]

what use is a 12v converter for a tear. if you have a 12v setup you probably have solar or a generator. and if you have shore power you probably have a 110 system in the camper too.

ofcourse there are people like me that are just going for a 12v system. so i could see that useful to power my lights and such if i end up having shore power and not keeping batteries charged.

As you touched upon. The idea would be to provide power for all your 12v needs while your connected to 110vac.

In my tear I don't plan on having any 110vac items; only 12vdc, Batteries and Solar. But, if I happen to be at a camp site with power I would like to be able to use the exterior source to power my 12vdc and not drain my batteries.

[eamarquardt]

As you touched upon. The idea would be to provide power for all your 12v needs while your connected to 110vac.

In my tear I don't plan on having any 110vac items; only 12vdc, Batteries and Solar. But, if I happen to be at a camp site with power I would like to be able to use the exterior source to power my 12vdc and not drain my batteries.

My thoughts exactly. Used the same setup on my boat for years. A/C was used only to keep the batteries up and an a/c heater when I wasn't at the boat to minimize condensation and mildew. I can do without a/c even if others can't (but I want a real reefer).

Cheers,

Gus

[Miriam C.]

I admit to thinking about it and remembering my CB days and I have a power supply..didn't use it. I separated my elect and keep them that way..........Cause I am lazy too.

[Shadow Catcher]

At this point we tend to be hooked up to shore power more often than not, but I am hoping that we will also be off grid as we become more experienced. The new MM has a gas electric water heater, when on shore power use the electric and save propane.
I have planned for being totally off grid including a 12V pump and water filters so I can fill the water tank from a lake or stream safely, 100W solar...
We do have a couple of 110V only items which can be run off of the inverter, but they are not crucial i.e.TV satellite receiver, but for the most part they are there for weather and news and really bad weather.