[ale] [way OT]: Workbench power supply?

[Jeff Hubbs]

On Thu, 2003-05-01 at 21:53, Christopher Bergeron wrote:

> So ... I've been looking at workbench power supplies, and I'm SHOCKED at 
> the prices of them.  Ultimately, what I'd love to have is a +12v power 
> supply with about 75A current draw capability (I think?!).   I'm trying 
> to simulate a vehicle power supply on my workbench (for the dashpc 
> project).  My carPC power supply draws 60-70 DC Watts.  But, I have _NO 
> IDEA_ how Watts relate/compare to Amps.  I've looked into that a few 
> time, but I've never found a good result.

I think what you're looking for is P = V x I.  Volts * Amps = Watts.

> 
>  From what I can gather with my limited knowledge, I think I'd like to 
> have a 12-14V power supply, that can handle however many AMPS are 
> equivalent to my 70 watt DC power supply.

70/12 = almost 6.
 
> So, in summary -
> Could I create this environment by "shotgunning" several PC power 
> supplies together on the +12v lead?  In serial?  In parallel?!?
> or
> Does anyone have a recommendation of a power supply that I could use to 
> affordably duplicate a vehicle power subsystem?
> or
> Can anyone point me toward some understandable information about 
> wattage/amperage relationship(s)?
> 
> Much, much, thanks in advance guys!!!
> -CB

I might want to suggest that if P=VI is news to you and you're wondring
if you should put 12VDC power supplied in parallel or in series to make
12VDC, you might want to think twice before splicing together power
supplies that could melt your watchband.

- Jeff

_______________________________________________
Ale mailing list
Ale at ale.org
http://www.ale.org/mailman/listinfo/ale