Ok, the title says it all! I have an Apache 2500 charger and a 350w computer PSU which is capable of delivering 16A from the +12v rail. Is there a special way to connect the charger to this PSU or can I just removed a yellow (12v) and black wire from a drive molex and connect the chargers clips to these?

yes? no? maybe?

TTT

I went ahead and attempted this method and my PSU gave a huge spark and is dead.

Here's a [link=http://web2.murraystate.edu/andy.batts/ps/POWERSUPPLY.HTM]conversion article.[/link]

thanks. but what is the purpose of converting? is the PSU not capable alone?

I have it connected to the PSU that is currently powering my computer and so far it's working fine. I was talking to a couple other guys on the #rc channel on EFnet (IRC) and they charged theirs the same way...from a computer PSU that is powering a computer. This PSU is an Antec Basiq 450w and delivers 18a on the 12v rails.

If it's connected and running, then is there any problem?

If your computer is up and running and you connect, it's quite likely that you will get a shutdown. Many of the chargers have fairly hefty front end capacitors to reduce ripple. If one of these chargers is connected after the power supply has stabilized, the capacitors will appear as a heavy current sink (or short) to the PSU and cause the overload circuitry to capture shutting the PSU down. However, the power supplies are designed to power up with a capacitive load (up to 5000 uf) and stabilize.

The spark you got was due to the capacitors being charged and the PSU shut off - they are designed to either restart automatically after the short has been removed or, in some instances, restart after being cycled.

Hook your charger up before turning the computer on - the power supply should come on and stabilize. I don't necessarily recommend using the PSU for double duty, even though it may have the current carrying capacity, simply because unexpected shutdowns are not good for your computer.