PL8 - Charger and Balance Cables Parts needed etc, ?

[expresso]

Hi - i want to get started with learning to use the PL8 - i need to purchase all that i need - which i am not sure 100% what that is - in terms of extras -

BM - you linked this for the balance wires - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/351091757644? ... EBIDX%3AIT

in that listing - i would need to get 9 of them ? any color will do ? i cant seem to find those wires here in the states - always comes up in the UK when i search for it - i checked i am on Ebay in the States - no the UK Ebay -

what AWG would or can i use for the Balance wires ? i may have some already - all Black but may not be single core type - does that matter ? i want to get the parts needed to start to make a balance cable so i can get some practice -
making them -

thanks

[Burgerman]

http://www.store.revolectrix.com/Cellpr ... able?ext=F get 1

http://www.store.revolectrix.com/Produc ... t-II/FUIM3 get 1

http://www.store.revolectrix.com/Produc ... 3-1m-BLACK get 1

http://www.store.revolectrix.com/Produc ... G12-1m-RED get 1

http://www.store.revolectrix.com/Cellpr ... able?ext=F get 2

http://www.store.revolectrix.com/Produc ... Lab-8_1429

Get 1 and fit Anderson connector. And you will need either a car thats running, or a powerful power supply to run this. Its small and light, but 1340 watts!

You need around 40 to 50A and around 24 to 30 volts to power it at full power.

Then download the PC Software and click advanced, and study it!
And CAREFULLY watch, read etc here, http://www.revolectrix.com/CCS_Tour.htm

[expresso]

OK - thanks for the short list - to start -

i just ordered the Cable connector ends - and cases - from digikey - i read the manual before the last time you told me to - of course i will be reading it many times over as i go -

i have SB50 connectors i can use already - but i am confused also with the PL8 - in the picture it shows the wires coming from the rear - the plug there is not a SB50 etc, - what do i do with those wires with that Plug ?
are those the wires that need to be plugged into a PSU ?

[Burgerman]

http://www.revolectrix.com/support_docs/item_1437.pdf
Read this over several days...

And
http://www.revolectrix.com/support_docs/item_1213.pdf

http://www.revolectrix.com/applications ... /setup.exe instal the software on your PC and click the advanced tab. And have a look. But its not much use without a charger.

[Burgerman]

i have SB50 connectors i can use already - but i am confused also with the PL8 - in the picture it shows the wires coming from the rear - the plug there is not a SB50 etc, - what do i do with those wires with that Plug ?
are those the wires that need to be plugged into a PSU ?

Yes. Fit an SB50...
Fit one on everyones car that you know too...
Then you can power the charger from a car that can rescue you and rapidly charge the chair miles from home if needed. Likewise fit an SB50 to your chair. Then you can POWER the charger from your chair and top up your freinds if they run short... Or charge a Quadcopter as I do while out and about! Remember that the charger can charge anything. Including LEAD chairs at high speed and accurately.

[expresso]

http://www.store.revolectrix.com/Cellpro-PowerLab-Stackable-40A-Safety-Banana-Plug-Cable?ext=F get 1

http://www.store.revolectrix.com/Produc ... t-II/FUIM3 get 1

http://www.store.revolectrix.com/Produc ... 3-1m-BLACK get 1

http://www.store.revolectrix.com/Produc ... G12-1m-RED get 1

http://www.store.revolectrix.com/Cellpr ... able?ext=F get 2

http://www.store.revolectrix.com/Produc ... Lab-8_1429

Get 1 and fit Anderson connector. And you will need either a car thats running, or a powerful power supply to run this. Its small and light, but 1340 watts!

You need around 40 to 50A and around 24 to 30 volts to power it at full power.

Then download the PC Software and click advanced, and study it!
And CAREFULLY watch, read etc here, http://www.revolectrix.com/CCS_Tour.htm

OK -This is all i need to get started - Plus a PSU - which i have to see which one - i seen one at that hobbyking site - have to go look again

[Burgerman]

For home use, better to get something like mine.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DIGIMESS-SM30 ... xykMpTIidV

Ignore that price. I have two. I paid 190 and 210 for them on eBay. They are bomb proof, and are smooth accurate and reliable. And because they are adjustable can charge lead batteries directly at 40A. Just set 28.2V, or 28.8V and 40A and plug in. Very rapid recharge! I have 2 in parallel so can charge at 80 Amps!

This for eg would be perfect and is in the US http://www.mastechpowersupply.com/volte ... input.html however not cheap. But quality never is.

[expresso]

http://www.hobbyexpress.com/ec3_device_ ... 5_prd1.htm

Would this cable work to connect to the PL8 and to the PSU ? i wont have to cut the cable on the PL8 to add a SB50 on it - i worry if i make mistake and then have to keep cutting it shorter to try again etc, -

what do you think -

[expresso]

For home use, better to get something like mine.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DIGIMESS-SM30 ... xykMpTIidV

Ignore that price. I have two. I paid 190 and 210 for them on eBay. They are bomb proof, and are smooth accurate and reliable. And because they are adjustable can charge lead batteries directly at 40A. Just set 28.2V, or 28.8V and 40A and plug in. Very rapid recharge! I have 2 in parallel so can charge at 80 Amps!

that thing looks huge and intimating - i worry having too many things to adjust - i can make mistakes easier - you have to remember - this is ALL new to me - so have to look at from my angle - i dont have good luck with Ebay - i dont trust them as much - but i will take a search -

i like to have 30 days money back no questions asked - etc, - which Amazon works best - i cant deal with sellers - asking for returns or exchanges etc, - waiting for email back and forth - it happened to me before - i loose my patient with them -
i will look - i seen some i liked - have to find them again - and post it back to make sure its correct for my needs

[Burgerman]

You turn it up to max on Amps, and volts, and forget it.

http://www.hobbyexpress.com/ec3_device_ ... 5_prd1.htm

Would this cable work to connect to the PL8 and to the PSU ? i wont have to cut the cable on the PL8 to add a SB50 on it - i worry if i make mistake and then have to keep cutting it shorter to try again etc, -

what do you think -

That will melt at 20A and the charger can pull 50. You cannot connect with 4mm banana plugs... And its EC3 instead of EC5 which is a massively different size.


http://www.mastechpowersupply.com/volte ... input.html

[LROBBINS]

Careful when shopping for a power supply - there are many out there that can't handle both European (220V) and U.S. (110V) input. It you get a 220V unit and try to use it on 110, it won't work. If you do the opposite, it may well be damaged. If you expect to be traveling with it, best to get one that takes both supply voltages (if you can find one).
Ciao,
Lenny

[expresso]

the cost is too much - - only ones i see are in the 800 dollars range - you must have found yours used ? at that price -

either way - this is overkill for me - i just want a simple unit - with power switch - i seen them i just forgot the name - it had one 50 amp to charge from or 60amp and 3 10 amp plugs also -

i dont trust used - not with my luck -

[expresso]

the cost is too much - - only ones i see are in the 800 dollars range - you must have found yours used ? at that price -

either way - this is overkill for me - i just want a simple unit - with power switch - i seen them i just forgot the name - it had one 50 amp to charge from or 60amp and 3 10 amp plugs also -

i dont trust used - not with my luck -

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Power-Supply-24 ... 1921846021

price is good -

[expresso]

Careful when shopping for a power supply - there are many out there that can't handle both European (220V) and U.S. (110V) input. It you get a 220V unit and try to use it on 110, it won't work. If you do the opposite, it may well be damaged. If you expect to be traveling with it, best to get one that takes both supply voltages (if you can find one).
Ciao,
Lenny

yes i have to remember that - i dont expect to travel - if i did - you can use a converter plug ?

[expresso]

You turn it up to max on Amps, and volts, and forget it.

http://www.hobbyexpress.com/ec3_device_ ... 5_prd1.htm

Would this cable work to connect to the PL8 and to the PSU ? i wont have to cut the cable on the PL8 to add a SB50 on it - i worry if i make mistake and then have to keep cutting it shorter to try again etc, -

what do you think -

That will melt at 20A and the charger can pull 50. You cannot connect with 4mm banana plugs... And its EC3 instead of EC5 which is a massively different size.


http://www.mastechpowersupply.com/volte ... input.html

Ok - this is why i need to know first - looks the same - didnt realize its different - it says handles up to 60 amp -

i still think that PSU is way too much for me to handle and use - i like to keep the costs down if i can - its big - heavy and expensive - may not be the best choice for me -

[Burgerman]

The plug isnt the issue. The voltage can be. Mine can both do 120 or 240. What are you on? Must be 240 in New York?

Ok - this is why i need to know first - looks the same - didnt realize its different - it says handles up to 60 amp -

Thats called optimism! I have had cables that size, and the cheap 4mm connectors smoking and melting at 25A. You need to be careful with daft claims like that. They might do 60A for 3 seconds!

[Burgerman]

Its not cheap to do things properly. And esp if you do it all at once. I have tons of chargers, power supplies and powerchairs going back 20 years. Once aquired the cost is forgotten and you dont need to worry again.

Its actually cheaper to do it right to begin with. The hobby ones are toys in comparison. And you wouldnt regret it.

But by all means buy cheap ones, or even lower power ones. They will all work. But dont be surprised when you buy the ones I linked to at a later date once you figure it all out!

[flagman1776]

NO, outlets for normal things like lamps & toasters are 110-120V AC... one leg of the 220 mains.
Homes have 220V AC but only ovens & dryers are normally connected... with special heavy plugs. My lathe has a dedicated 220 line into the breaker box.

Hint: UK searches, copy the item title into the USA version of the site (ebay or Amazon) & you'll find the USA versions of the same products.

[expresso]

http://www.f3aunlimited.com/24-volt-power-supply

this looks to be the same as the one i posed on Ebay which they say is rebuilt sort of - this one is New to my knowledge - i think the power here is 110v 120V -

and 15amp outlets - there have two power cords - i would have to plug them both in - i could use the same outlet ? so if i have a power strip in one outlet and use both of these power cords in the powerstrip - it should be fine ?

none of this is cheap - but at the same time - cant get everything at the top of the line - and yes doing it all at once dosnt feel good - cost wise -

they dont have a connector from the PL8 power leads to Bananas that i can just plug into this unit ? or any other that takes the same plugs

[Burgerman]

they dont have a connector from the PL8 power leads to Bananas that i can just plug into this unit ? or any other that takes the same plugs

Banannas are not adequate. Ok once or twice, but they will get hot and eventually cause problems. Even is really high quality like the Safety silicone ones from cellpro.

[steves1977uk]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Power-Supply-to-EC5-Cable-/301127619450?hash=item461c9ad37a:g:f2kAAOSwT5tWJoQm EC5 plug to PSU for PL8

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mastech-HY3050EX-DC-Power-Supply-Over-Voltage-Current-Protection-30V-50A-1500W-/361474510498?hash=item54298f4ea2:g:25YAAOSwGotWlWnq PSU, a little overkill for the PL8 but good qualty.

Steve

[Burgerman]

Actually its exactly correct. But looks rather 2nd hand... And has double glazing!

[expresso]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Power-Supply-to-EC5-Cable-/301127619450?hash=item461c9ad37a:g:f2kAAOSwT5tWJoQm EC5 plug to PSU for PL8

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mastech-HY3050EX-DC-Power-Supply-Over-Voltage-Current-Protection-30V-50A-1500W-/361474510498?hash=item54298f4ea2:g:25YAAOSwGotWlWnq PSU, a little overkill for the PL8 but good qualty.

Steve

ok that EC5 plug is good - i can just use that cable as it is - and not have to cut or make any new connections

i am not sure about that PSU -- it is used - but even so - seems too much over all for me - cost and other factors - size - weight - knobs i dont know what they do or dont do - seems easy for me to make a mistake and blow it up or my charger etc,

the ones i linked for $150 is a good price range for me -

this is very confusing all the connector ends - different plugs and PSU - now that cable would be good if the PSU i end up with is able to accept the ring connetion and just screw it down - then good - i guess i have to see what PSU i end up with to decide what kind of cable i need for the PL 8 -

i dont plan to charge or need to charge at 40A - its nice to know it can be done - but 20A is fine even 15A - for most of the time - when theres not rush - and i dont expect to be rushing to the point where i need it charged so fast - i like that it can be if needed -

[steves1977uk]

Actually its exactly correct. But looks rather 2nd hand... And has double glazing!

The extra plastic thingymabob could be removed though...

Steve

[steves1977uk]

This would be simple to use, just connect the leads and switch on... http://www.ebay.com/itm/RC-Power-Supply-12-Volt-24-Volt-DC-75A-1800-watt-/231483027653?hash=item35e576b0c5:g:0lMAAOSwuTxV9vcx

Steve

[expresso]

yes something like that and that price range is good - i cant get crazy now - i think i already have gone crazy enough - but it got my attention now and i want to do it -

i think the links i found that i posted for $150 for a new one - its 75amp - 2400 watts - way more that i ever need - they are in the states - i will call them next week to make sure its new etc, and how it works - to be sure

the one on ebay is the same thing - but it says - used parts etc, at $95 - i rather pay a little more if all new - i have to see if it is - those plugs look like banana plugs - i will ask also -

[steves1977uk]

i think the links i found that i posted for $150 for a new one - its 75amp - 2400 watts - way more that i ever need - they are in the states - i will call them next week to make sure its new etc, and how it works - to be sure

You will only get 1800w from a 110v/120v source, for 2400w you'd need 220v. You can plug two of those into the same power strip, but ONLY if you don't charge above 20 amps or so.

Steve

[expresso]

ok i didnt know - this is why i need to watch what PSU i get - it has to work for me and not over 15amp - total or the breaker will kick in -
alot of info i have to take in -

i am going to take a short rest - need it after the wine and start the cable when i get up in a few hours - this is more involved than my Audio hobby - that was easy compared to this -

and cheaper i think - maybe - not by much or maybe not - but at least i knew what i am doing with Audio amps etc, - simple once you know and pick one - connect and thats it - quality will last a lifetime - i actually bought 30 year old speaker which are Excellent - condition is great and sound amazing -

anyway - i be back - need a break from searching PSU

[flagman1776]

In the USA, duplex plugs are rated 15A commonly or occasionally 20A. The power supply with 2 cords can plug into a single duplex outlet but will be limited to the same (15) amperage. In reality they are one unit inside the wall, with a single wiring connection.
In best practice, one side of a room will be wired on one circuit, will share the circuit with the adjacent room. The other side or the room will share with the room on the other side. Even plugging into separate outlets on the same wall, will not give you significantly more power (amperage) because they are on the same circuit.
Now if you own the property, you can pay to have dedicated circuits installed.

[Burgerman]

You can just tell the PL8 to never exceed x amps on its input. And so the supplies will never pull more amps from the mains than you tell them to.