Topic: Making a 12v tester

[eigenvector]

Something that I seem to always need but don't have is a 12v tester for electrical equipment - fans, lights, gauges, etc.

My mind runs to just hooking up my remote starter to the equipment - but the remote starter is huge, it is in effect a portable car battery.

So my question is - if I wanted to power equipment, say a radiator fan to make sure it worked, how would you go about building one?

[firebane]

1 switch and battery. Hook up leads and turn on switch.

[eigenvector]

I see they make real small motorcycle batteries - racing I think.  That would probably be better than hauling around a 10 lb spare battery.

I think it's just a question of getting some alligator clip leads.

[vfourfreak]

I bought a laboratory programmable DC  power supply for about €80. Mainly to give me good voltage and current control for plating work, but with long leads can test just about anything on or off the bikes. It's got over current protection to help avoid little incidents.

I see equivalents on US Ebay for less than $50 : http://www.ebay.com/itm/5A-30V-DC-Power-Supply-Adjustable-Dual-Digital-Variable-Precision-Lab-Grade-/262294040786

Kev

[Duke McDukiedook]

Yeah, Feebay or Amazoon should have some Chinese DC power supplies with enough amperage to do the job. You would probably want at least a 5A model if not higher. A small SLA would work okay also.

[strynboen]

i just have a Sealed10 ah battery...soldered a auto fuse ..direkt at tghe terminal..use some vires and crock clips..(.for start help it goes not throgh the fuse)
you can glue a bakelit plate vith schrev terminals on the top...use it for small start help..and test of starters lights...and all elektric i have...a variabel power suply is on the byild..use a pc..parts..but the battery is rough and easy..use it weekly..

the pc power is give 3 5 and 12 volt..12 volt is as heigh as 20 amps..i have build a amp meter usb(5 volt standart) konnekter and safty auto fuse inn.
there is needet a reset funktion..to re set the elektronic safty..indbuild fuse on this type power stations