[Matron]

On 17 July, 18:48, "Ian Iveson"
wrote:
Ian wrote:
I would consider using the innards of a battery charger,
and either modify or post-filter/regulate to get 12.6V.
Someone else suggested that but I am not quite sure why
unless the idea was for a source of a cheap high current
12V transformer. Given the light duty cycle of a charger
and the low cost I am not that keen on one as a source of
a heater transformer. Toroids are cheap enough.

I had in mind an SM lead-acid battery charger able to
deliver at least 6A continuously, as would be required for a
medium-sized car battery for example. At board level, these
are manufactured in large enough numbers to be relatively
cheap. You may be able to adjust the voltage, or you can
lose the excess 1.2V (charger V is usually 13.8) in
post-regulation or RC filtering.

Now I've looked, the price looks quite steep to me, and
typical efficiency of around 75% isn't great. Neither can I
find boards available retail. Complete chargers have fancy
features to justify the high price compared to the
traditional linear examples.

Todd's suggestion may be better.

Ian

Hi

The amateur radio SMPs are designed for use adjacent to sensitive
radio equipment so they should do a fine job. If you do consider using
one you can find reviews etc on the various ham radio forums, Just
google the model etc.

Hope this helps
Todd