Help choosing Batteries

[simon_windisch]

I dont know how heavily this rule is enforced, but the Robots Live Events Guidelines say All leads, chargers, powers supplies etc. must be correctly rated and be in good condition http://www.robotslive.co.uk/eventguidelines2008.pdfhttp://www.robotslive.co.uk/eventguidelines2008.pdf

Im not sure that an internal power supply taken from an old PC would conform.

Simon

[grant_ploughbot]

Well ive never been pulled up about it, and i know lots of others that use the same. Not an issue for most events, I didnt know about that one.
Although - PC power supplies are properly rated with the ratings on the side of them. they also cut off if shorted.

[leorcc]

As long as the wiring is done properly there is no problem in using a pc power supply.

[maddox]

You could improve a PC power suppy by fitting it in a nice wooden box. But dont forget any vent holes

[grant_ploughbot]

i used to just use the normal case, but bought some tidy screw in connectors for bannana plugs from rs/maplins and mounted those onto the standard powersupply case. that meant no external wires, and a tidy little supply.

[maddox]

Home build electricity, by a young guy asking if a metal casing is a good option....

Doesnt require rocket science to figure out what can go wrong.

Yes Robert, a outside casing for a PC powersupply can be made in metal. But then extra care has to be given to insulation, and avoiding chafing damage to wires.
As Grant says, use commercial connectors suited for the job.

But we use for SLA, NiCd NiMH and even LiPo the Swallow chargers we have, those have a build in powersupply, and to make it even better, can be run from a battery.

[maddox]

Robert, there are no dumb questions.

But my remark was spurred by a distinct lack of sleep and a wish to make the point very clear.

Sorry if it came trough to harsh. But thats me with a morning mood. (I work nightshifts, so that was morning for me)