AC to DC converter for cockpit design?

  • Thread starter Thread starter gjjdemarco
  • 9 comments
  • 659 views
Messages
6
This is a question for Werner Winkels and you other geniuses out there.

I am building a racing console for GT3. It's still in the works, but it has a power bucket seat and center console from a Maxima. I have a lot of the details worked out, but I need to know where to get a 120VAC to 12VDC converter so I can still work the power seat and in-dash stereo.

Is there such a beast? I know they make DC to AC converters for your car for running normal AC "appliances" from your cigarette lighter, but is there a reverse?

If not, I imagine I could dig up a multitap transformer of some sort, but I have no idea what I would be looking for.

Thanks guys
Greg
 
You could use a 12 volt battery charger, if you have an old one laying round, but they sometimes lack enough current. I have seen units that plug into the wall and output 12 dc to a cigarette lighter receptacle. Although that probably has it's limitations too. What I would personally do is try the battery charger idea, then if that isnt enough or thats too shoddy for your taste you could try something else. The something else could be something like getting an ac/dc convertor (normal wall wart) with a good current rating, and an output voltage of 12dc. Then buy an ac/dc power jack, fit that somewhere pretty for the wall wart to plug into. Run the wires from the jack in the correct polarity to your power and ground. But, the qestion still is, would it run the dash lights and stereo etc.? I don't know, you'd need to know the amp draw on all of the things and go from there. If all else fails a dc power supply may be the way to go, although pretty expensive. But, then you have a perfectly good power supply that you can use on other projects too.

Here's a link to crap like that at Radio Hut.

http://www.radioshack.com/category.asp?catalog_name=CTLG&category_name=CTLG_009_001_005_000&Page=1

Edit: Before you attempt anything like this, it's a good idea to have a DMM (digital multimeter) handy to check all voltages amps, etc.
 
we sell one where i work (Canadian Tire :irked: ) for portable car coolers so that you can bring them indoors on a 120V sourve.
However, they can only only provide a current of 5A, maximum.
i think they run for $46.99 Canadian.

edit: i just read Jim X's post about the battery charger. This is probably your best bet. My roomate has his stereo from his car set up in his room by this method. And they're not too expensive, just make sure the charging rate in Amps is enough to power your load.
 
any standard mains (line) adaptor will do....just make sure it has a 12vdc output...you dont need anywhere near 5A...prolly 500mA max.

you can pick them up in just about any store for a couple of dollars..

you can build one yourself if you want...a mains transformer with 12 rms output, a full wave rectifier and a capacitor of about 2200uf...bingo...you have a 120VAC to 12VDC adaptor..
 
Hi Greg

Sorry my english isnt good .
Whats a power bucket seat and center console :confused:

If I understand right, You want to run 12V DC car- accessories via a power supply unit.

( You have a 120V AC wall outlet )

You can use a 12V - 13,8 V regulated power supply
A simple Car CD-Player works trouble-free with 3A
I think with 5 - 10A You are adequately supplied
( If You dont to run esuriency Hardware , like heater ... )

Laters
:)
 
Thanks everyone for your help. I think I have all the info I need now.

By the way, Winkels, power bucket seat=adjustable seat out of a car and center console=all the stuff between the driver and passenger seat (armrest, cup holder, shifter, ashtray, temperature controls, and radio, etc.)

thanks again.
 
If You have Datas :
Volt x Ampere = power consumption (Watt)

With a 12V / (10A Nominal) power supply, You can run maximal 120 Watt continuous power

( The maximal Ampere peak value of the power supply, is only "short-time" reserve for starting current ... )

Sorry, my english is horrible :rolleyes:
 
Back