I just thought of something else I can do to save money. I can pick up a cheap/free computer PSU off craigslist and convert it to a PSU for RC chargers, then buy a better charger. The battery I want to buy is rated at 2c max charge rate, so I could fully utilize this with a better charger like this:

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...arehouse_.html

I actually use a 47A server power supply that I got off ebay for $20 to run 2-3 chargers at once as the power supply I got I estimate I could run 6-7 6A chargers at once if I ever felt like it

I found standard PC power supplies didn't give the oomph to run one even as the rails didn't have enough current.

I have the charger you first linked (well same charger with different label) and I like it. Nice that it just plugs in the wall. But the 2nd one listed just above can do twice the amps.

decent in stock us warehouse battery if you dont find one http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...arehouse_.html

So this is pretty much how my setup is going to be.

Charger: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...arehouse_.html

Battery: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...dProduct=16763

Truck: http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...=LXDLSU**&P=ML


Now all I need to do is find an old computer PSU and learn how to convert it. Are there any good guides that you would recommend I check out regarding this topic?
I assume that the +12v rail and wattage of whatever PSU I get should be above the max wattage and amperage of the charger in order to work at their full potential. So in this case I would need to find a 200+ watt PSU with 12v rails of at least 10 amps. Is this correct?

Yea that is why I want to get the second one, as I will be able to charge my battery (or batteries when I get more) much faster. I just like to have that headroom

Addition: I just read that I can easily modify an xbox 360 power brick to do what I want. This seems like a much more viable way as people are basically giving these away.

yes, but I am not sure how the wattage translates to the amps available.

I think you'll have a lot of fun with all that. So is this an early christmas present to you?

Just so you know most PSU's only put out 3 amps on the 12V rails (and that is it you combine em all) maybe a 600watt one might do 5-6amps but I wouldn't count on it.
Also note you will need some resistors to act as a load to make the power supply stay on as its not a simple switch on newer ones (by newer I mean post 1997). Why I went with a server supply it only outputs 12 volts, and was made to run multiple servers.

Unless you are planning on running multiple chargers I'd just get one with it built in.

No I still have Christmas to get more parts and probably a brushless upgrade, or a bunch of stuff for my pitbike/computer. I am able to get all this because I have been designing a website for a company and wanted to get back into this hobby, thus here I am

I absolutely love to create and tinker on my workbench. I know there is always an easier way, but I usually go out of my way to do things in a manner that require me to work with my hands. I also already know about the resistor. I was planning on using this resistor http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...ductId=2062291

I thought that buying a dedicated charger, not a charger/psu combo, would result in me ending up with a higher quality charger.

If I am reading the specs on this PSU correctly, it has 24 amps on the 12v rail which is way more than enough for a RC charger.

http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=AGS450&cat=PWR


This one has 20 amps on one of the 12v rails.

http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=AGS400&cat=PWR


The Xbox 360 psu that I also could use has a 14.2 amp 12v line, but the wattage is 175 which would work, but not under full load.

If you plan on spending that much look at making one of these http://www.rc-monster.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27554 I see the power supplies on ebay down to $15 shipped ( search "HP Proliant DL380 power supply") its actually the one I use.
BTW you are right it is better cause you don't have to worry about over taxing the chargers power supply. If one thing blows you don't have to go out and replace both. Also you can get additional chargers cheaper to hook up if you want to charge more batteries so it comes out cheaper


On a similar note perfectly understand liking to work with your hands I got so many things I've tinkered with laying around its not funny

I managed to find a kid in my high school that has an original xbox 360 power 'brick'. He is going to give me it for no charge, and I plan on doing this to it: http://www.rctech.net/forum/radio-el...er-supply.html

The one in that thread is a 175w psu with 14.2A 12v rails. The one my friend is giving me is the older one that hopefully puts out 203w, but there are several variations of this psu. This power supply should be sufficient for 2 chargers max, so I plan on using it until something happens to it. Heck, its free! Why not use it

So if I am buying this charger:
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...arehouse_.html

with this battery:
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...arehouse_.html

what connectors am I going to need to buy to make it all work?

You will need a bunch of traxxas style connectors to attach to your batteries and to make leads for your charger, assuming you are sticking with traxxas style as that will be whats on your rc.

If u don't end up getting the xbox power supply, I recommend getting one of eBay like the others suggested.

Here is mine... Its a 12v 30a LED array power supply and was only $30, then add $7 for the fused power plug fitting and switch... I just cut a hole in the top for the power plug fitting and wired it up....

I got the xbox power supply today. It puts out 12v @ 16.2 amps plenty for my little charger

I am converting it now and will post pics of the final product!

As for how many chargers you can run on it. That will depend if you charge at say 2 amps you should be able to run 2
if you go full blast at 10 amps you can run 1 (remember the chargers require some overhead themselves)

All done! I ordered the car, battery, and charger last night with 2 day shipping, so they should get here tomorrow or the next day

Here is my DIY PSU:

Now lets hope no red ring of death for your new charger. Dont forget to post pics when it all shows up.

I definitely will post pics. I am looking up break in methods for the motor, and might go with the water method.

Alright so I have everything running and good. I will get some pics up in a bit, but I have a important question for you guys.

I have a 5200mah battery with a 2c charge rate. Doesn't this mean i can charge it at 10.4amps max? My friend is freaking out saying that I'm wrong and will blow up my batteries, but based off of what I have read I am correct. Can someone clear this up for me, I don't want to damage my precious batteries

Rule of thumb is 1C unless stated otherwise, but yours state otherwise.

Only thing it might do is shorted the lifespan. Now will it shorten the lifespan? maybe no one is 100% sure.

Just bought another Flightmax 5200 so I can drive more

The first thing I did to my battery is balance it, then I used it till the low voltage cutoff activated, but after that I am not sure if I should normal charge or fast charge the batteries. I know I need to balance them every dozen charges or so.