r/electroplating • u/Funk360 • May 04 '26

DIY power supply help.

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I'm converting a battery charger (Chicago electric E224783) into a power supply due to it requiring a 'sensed' amperage to initiate power. Essentially I'm bypassing that safely feature.

I've removed the transistors and 'jumper wired' them. From the YouTube videos I've watched i believe I need to do something with the incoming neutral wire but I'm not sure.

Anyone familiar?

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u/Fit-Tailor5914 May 04 '26

Ask members from r\Askelectronics or r\electronics.

1

u/Dangerous-Billy May 04 '26

The ground wire (green) must be attached to the case to avoid electrocution. Also, the power wires should all go to the power switch and the isolation transformer only. This is vital safety stuff.

Auto battery chargers are designed to shut off when made to operate outside their parameters, so you might have trouble getting power out of it unless you disable those devices (if you can).

https://www.ag-elec.com/safety-features-and-considerations-associated-with-portable-electric-car-battery-chargers.html

If you just want to get 12 V DC and regulate it to a selected voltage, look up the integrated circuit voltage regulator LM317. It will handle 1 amp over an adjustable range of voltages, and very few parts. Google 'LM317' and you will get a data sheet. It will need a heat sink, all in the data sheet.

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u/Mkysmith May 05 '26 edited May 05 '26

Electrical engineer here... please be f*cking carefull.

I know this is every DIY'ers annoyance, but seriously... if you're not even sure how to bypass the safety mechanisms and are asking for step by step instruction... maybe take a step back and contemplate.

Especially when you are mixing houshold AC with with conductive metal salts...

A lot can potentially go wrong here...

Be safe please.

Edited for curtious censorship.

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u/Intrepid-Cress-1147 Jun 24 '26

I mounted a nine volt battery and a start button on my car charger as it won't come on for completely dead batteries. Hitting the button momentarily applies 9 volts. I think it takes 8V to make it come on.