Results 1 to 9 of 9
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jun 2010
    Location
    Canberra
    Posts
    1,322

    Default Trying to Throw Stuff Out...

    I've had this battery charger sitting under a bench for about 10 years, thinking that at some point I'd find a use for it. I believe it came from a phone exchange - it puts out ~52V DC at 50A. I've never looked inside as I didn't expect there'd be anything interesting.

    Pulled it out today, opened it up, and it's pretty much what I expected, except for it using 3 transformers (two more than I assumed). Still, for the life of me, I cannot think of a use for any of it, except perhaps for the meters. Can anyone think of a use for any of what's there?

    IMG_0017.jpg

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Nov 2017
    Location
    Geelong, Australia
    Age
    57
    Posts
    2,651

    Default

    50vdc/50A might be useful for the drive power supply of a CNC project.

    What voltage/current do spot welders need?

    Steve

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    Bendigo
    Age
    60
    Posts
    419

    Default

    If you do get rid of it you will find a use for it in the following 4 weeks.😂

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jan 2016
    Location
    Wodonga Vic
    Age
    38
    Posts
    633

    Default

    Electrolysis rust removal, anodizing? gotta be some good use for it !

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Location
    Norwood-ish, Adelaide
    Age
    59
    Posts
    6,541

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by OxxAndBert View Post
    What voltage/current do spot welders need?
    Typically stonk loads of current, 1 or 2V

    Michael

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Location
    near Rockhampton
    Posts
    6,216

    Default

    Power supply to power a 48V induction heater.

    https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/123392293107
    Gold, the colour of choice for the discerning person.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Aug 2012
    Location
    Greenmount, W.A.
    Age
    70
    Posts
    272

    Default

    Some of the "transformers" may be "chokes." Or does it need a three phase supply?
    Uses:
    1. Battery charger for your "off the grid" solar installation;
    2. Supplying 50v to your DC motor on your surface grinder;
    3. Supply 50v to your gear reduction drill press / tapping chuck / lathe.

    Probably need a battery connected across the supply to make the charger regulate the output voltage.

    Does it work?

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jun 2010
    Location
    Canberra
    Posts
    1,322

    Default

    Had a bit of a closer look - two of what I thought were transformers are ginormous inductors. One of the smoothing caps is leaking - I'm a bit scared to turn it on in case they explode...

    I checked to see how a modern switcher would compare - a Meanwell 48V 50A would cost about $700, weighs 3.3kg and is over 90% efficient once above 70% load.

    This thing must be close to 100kg and its rated consumption is 4,100W for 2,600W output, which means at full load, it doubles as a 1,500W heater

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Aug 2012
    Location
    Greenmount, W.A.
    Age
    70
    Posts
    272

    Default

    But you live in Canberra! You would always need a heater in the workshop..... to say nothing of that soothing hummmming sound!

Similar Threads

  1. Replies: 10
    Last Post: 15th Dec 2012, 08:20 PM
  2. Using the new stuff
    By Steamwhisperer in forum METALWORK GENERAL
    Replies: 31
    Last Post: 20th Feb 2012, 06:20 AM
  3. More stuff
    By Woodlee in forum METALWORK GENERAL
    Replies: 39
    Last Post: 1st Jan 2012, 09:45 PM
  4. Replies: 6
    Last Post: 2nd Oct 2011, 07:13 PM
  5. My Stuff
    By Groggy in forum FORUMS INFO, HELP, DISCUSSION & FEEDBACK
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 24th Aug 2008, 04:10 PM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •