Computer power supply as DC source?
 

Many people use a computer power supply unit (PSU) as a DC power source for lipo chargers at home. How and where on the PSU do you connect the charger's clips. Do you connect the charger's aligator clips to the pins within the cable connector running from the PSU? Additionally what specs (W, Amp, V, etc.) for such PSU to charge multiple 3s1p in series are required? Thank you. [>:][>:]

RE: Computer power supply as DC source?
 

The specs on a pc ps are sometimes not up to par. Anyways the yellow wires are 12 v + and the blacks are -

Figure your total load in watts by multiplying the voltsxamps on the output of charger and then the ps needs to have at least that much power and be able to supply the minimum voltage for the particular charger/battery. It works good, and in case it is a bit less powe than you need, just charge slower.

For easy figuring since your output and input voltage match then you could say whatever current you will charge at = the current of the ps (plus 10-20% more)

RE: Computer power supply as DC source?
 

what guver said, also try these links
http://www.marcee.org/Articles/PCPowerSupply.htm

on the menu to the left all the way down
http://www.rcbatteryclinic.com/

there is also a sticky in the battery section on how to do it. Mainly you are looking at the weight of the computer PSU. 1 or 2 lb PSU's are junk, but might still work for you if you are running like 50% of the max amps on the 12v rail. The 5 or 6 lb models are good for what they are actually rated for.