Just wondering what you guys use to power up stuff before you wire them into your rigs.

I was looking at getting this model:

Hey Ed, I read about this topic somewhere ... probably on HidP. Maybe poke around there, or post up.

Cheers,

Thanks Philsey, I'll check it out!

Those guys repurpose old computer tower power supplies.
Read the instructions carefully, and don't wing it!

Really? I haven't gone there yet, been crazy busy. Well, I hate "winging it" which is why I'm looking at a decent piece of equipment to test stuff. I won't necessarily test future HIDs, but I have a number of stuff I would like to test before I install on my truck.

What I would love to do is install a Blue Sea fuse box for some of my mods. Unfortunately I don't know how to (yet).

This lol

Power-Sonic PS-1270 F1 Sealed Lead Acid Battery

I bought this one to use for my HID retrofit. I think Hid Planet was where I was researching when I bought it. The thought of electrocuting myself with a jimmy rigged Computer Power Supply was enough to make me look elsewhere lol. This one works well and I think I paid like $55 for it on sale, although that was over 3 years ago. This model is usually used to charge RC car batteries, but works well for automotive electrical stuff and has dual outputs.

Pro-Peak Power Supply 13.8v 20A 275W TwinOut (O-IP2002) - Ripmax Ltd

I know some people that would use this, LOL:


Cool, thanks!

I don't want anything fancy, but can anyone imagine having something like this:

Well, I could see myself with one of those! Actually, I'm surprised I don't have one of 'em yet!

Honestly, if you're just doing automotive stuff that requires 13.8VDC, look at Astron power supplies, they're found in every ham radio store. They can supply from just a few amps to well over 75A, and can be had with no meters or voltmeters and ammmeters.

Personally, I use an Alinco power supply like this one:



It is extremely light (unlike my 40+lb Tripp-Lite from the 80's!), supplies 32A of power, has a cig outlet right on the front, as well as 2 spring-loaded connector sets on the front, and two screw terminals in the rear of the unit. It also has a volt and ammeter, and you can adjust voltage up or down, as well as tune the unit for noise (switching power supplies can be "noisy" to radio equipment).

If you require more than 30A, I would suggest an AGM battery with a charger attached to it instead of a power supply. Its cheaper and will supply way more than you'll get from a plug-in power supply!