Portable Power Supply

starmanmm · Post by **starmanmm** » Tue Jun 06, 2006 7:24 am

Ok,

At one time Radio Shack use to sell a portable power supply which would allow you to switch to either 9 or 12v. They no longer carry it.

I am looking for such an item seeing that most shows hate to see power cords running along the floor (which I don't blame them) and their tables are not located next to a wall outlet.

So, I need ideas as to where to get such a device for there still has to be something similiar floating around.

My google search was more confusing than helpful.

A friend told me about UPS, but they too need to be plugged into a wall socket, which is what I am looking to get away from.

Thanks

Umi_Ryuzuki · Post by **Umi_Ryuzuki** » Tue Jun 06, 2006 12:28 pm

Without resorting to AC, you would be looking at purchasing a Gel Cell battery Typically available in 6 and 12 volt, 9volt may be a bit odd.
They can be bought in 4-7 amp hour capacities(an larger), and will run most applications for lengthy periods of time. It depends on the amps your application is drawing during operation.

An UPS is the right Idea, but when NOT plugged in they have alarms that sound till someone comes to rescue them.
What would work in this case would be an "inverter". They can be found at automotive stores, Frys(outpost.com) or Harbor freight(of course you are in the UK). They are designed to take 12volt battery ouput change it to 110-15v AC.
At which point, you would plug in a wall wart, and change it back to 9 or 12 volt DC... A little in efficient.(and spendy)
You would probably want at least a 12volt 24ahr Gel cell battery(and charger). Hook up the Inverter(400watt would be plenty) and then plug in your model.

Personally at about $21-$30, I would look into a large capacity(amp hour) gel cell, and wire up an adapter to plug directly into your model base or wiring. Then set the battery under the table.

Styrofoam_Guy · Post by **Styrofoam_Guy** » Tue Jun 06, 2006 12:40 pm

I have seen those battery things with 9-12V and a light. Not common items

You need one of those automotive jump starters with a 12V outlet. You can then get an automotive converter from Radio SHack to convert to 9V.

A bit pricier but on the plus side you can jump start your car if needed

Alex
Styrofoam Guy

tetsujin · Post by **tetsujin** » Tue Jun 06, 2006 1:47 pm

Wow.

What are you driving with all this power, anyway? (<- says the guy who's not yet lit anything bigger than the 1:1000 PL Enterprise)

starmanmm · Post by **starmanmm** » Tue Jun 06, 2006 3:29 pm

Frys(outpost.com) or Harbor freight(of course you are in the UK).

Not from UK but from Massachusetts.

Now are we talking about this?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Auto-Bat ... enameZWDVW

Not clear if this has a 12v outlet.

As for what I am powering, I just need a portable power supply for my model which is a lit version of the 22" Enterprise that I am working on.

Styrofoam_Guy · Post by **Styrofoam_Guy** » Tue Jun 06, 2006 3:49 pm

Description says it has the 12V outlet. It looks like it is shown in the last photo.

Built in compressor and light also.

At 26lbs you can also use it to work out.

Some larger units come with a 120V outlet

Alex
Styrofoam Guy

starmanmm · Post by **starmanmm** » Tue Jun 06, 2006 5:23 pm

Yeah, not the lightest of my choices.

Umi_Ryuzuki · Post by **Umi_Ryuzuki** » Tue Jun 06, 2006 6:26 pm

Those are nice options... 8)

http://da.harborfreight.com/cpisearch/w ... jump+start

Sparky · Post by **Sparky** » Mon Jun 12, 2006 7:17 am

You used to able to get a nice portable 12-volt power supply from Target. It's basically a 12-volt gel cell with a charging circuit, low voltage detector and fuse all in a plastic case. I got one for my handheld radio, 12 volts gave me full transmit power. The battery died and I took it apart to replace it. Just an alarm battery in there 12 volt sealed gel-cell. You can find 12-volt power supplies into he 30-50 dollar range depending on maximum current needed. Check radioshack, they're closing their stores or something, got a soldering gun (for a hot wire conversion) for pretty cheep.

starmanmm · Post by **starmanmm** » Tue Jun 13, 2006 9:20 am

Check radioshack, they're closing their stores or something, got a soldering gun (for a hot wire conversion) for pretty cheep.

Yeah, something is up with them. I think they are getting out of the electronic parts business and focusing on electronics specifically.

But, radion shack was a bust.

Now that Target thing sounds interesting.

Sparky · Post by **Sparky** » Tue Jun 13, 2006 12:46 pm

The 12 volt portable supply I had was made of plastic, this is a pronlem, since it got old and the plastic fractured around the screw points. The battery in side was one of these:

<A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002Z ... oding=UTF8" target="_blank">Woow big link</A>

If you have a Fry's elctronics, or home alarm parts store near by, get the battery from them, shipping weight on these things will offset the savings of getting it mail order.

The company that made the thign I had is power port, I think, they have switched to soft satchel style now:
<A HREF="http://www.powerportstore.com/DC%20Prod ... DC%20Power" target="_blank">Power Port Store</A>

Umi_Ryuzuki · Post by **Umi_Ryuzuki** » Tue Jun 13, 2006 1:32 pm

Kind of why I suggested just buying a Gel Cell battery in the first place, but I like the fact that the jumper box has other uses.

I have at least a dozen different gel cells sitting around, as they make great power sources for RC boats.

8)

Sparky · Post by **Sparky** » Tue Jun 13, 2006 1:36 pm

I agree with umi pic up some gell-cells and a little charger for them (not to much current you don't won't them to crack under the pressure of over current charging).

I found some of the little stick like 12 volt batteries at American Science and Surplus they appear to be fine (take a charge and hold it for good amount of time).

fokkerpilot · Post by **fokkerpilot** » Thu Jun 22, 2006 8:48 pm

I've been using a CPU power supply (of which I have a bunch of) for the 1:350th EA and it works the nutz! 12v side to power my circuit boards and the 3.3v side for my LEDs. It's smalle enough to hide in the custom base and comes with a quiet fan. It sounds like overkill, I know, but it's a nicely regulated voltage source compared to the R/S wall adapters that never seem to run at the advertised voltage.

http://fuzznoggincreations.com/images/powerpack1.jpg