Do I need a 240v to 12v converter?

[sotal]

I went through a few different questions before regarding the coolbox.

At the time I had no charger in the Bongo so it was advised that I got a 240v to 12v converter. Something like this:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B001 ... em_1p_0_ti

However the dealer added a charger for me which is more than sufficient to keep the coolbox running whilst on EHU. So I don't need it inside the Bongo.

However it would be useful to use one in the house before I go in order to get the coolbox running and cool before we set off (with the help of ice packs too)

Do I need one of the above or could I just a car battery charger? I have a choice of 3 - one is a maintenance/tickle charger (Optimate) which I doubt would be up to the job. The next is a small basic 6amp charger from Argos, the other is an old large charger which I was given. Would it be advisable to connect the coolbox up to one of these or would they damage it / it damage them?

[g8dhe]

Should be happy using a charger provided its not a too "inteliigent" one ! The level of intelligence is very low in most cases and gets confused easily! A good old one is usually much happier and less pricey as well!

[teenmal]

I went through a few different questions before regarding the coolbox.

At the time I had no charger in the Bongo so it was advised that I got a 240v to 12v converter. Something like this:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B001 ... em_1p_0_ti

However the dealer added a charger for me which is more than sufficient to keep the coolbox running whilst on EHU. So I don't need it inside the Bongo.

However it would be useful to use one in the house before I go in order to get the coolbox running and cool before we set off (with the help of ice packs too)

Do I need one of the above or could I just a car battery charger? I have a choice of 3 - one is a maintenance/tickle charger (Optimate) which I doubt would be up to the job. The next is a small basic 6amp charger from Argos, the other is an old large charger which I was given. Would it be advisable to connect the coolbox up to one of these or would they damage it / it damage them?

You would probably be better using the Transformer.

[BigPanzer]

Hi,

If you are looking for a 12v convertor for use at home the best one I have found to date is the power supply "brick" for an xbox. They are not suitable for use as battery chargers because the voltage is only around 12.3 as opposed to the 14.2 required for charging.
They are cheap as chips at car boot sales (I paid £2 for one on Friday) and even the lowest capacity ones will supply around 12 amps - more than enough to run even the largest cool box.
There is a snag - you will need to cut the plug off and solder on the plug of your choice.
If you (or anybody else) decides to do this, once the plug is cut off you will find 3 or 4 black wires and the same number of yellow. Short all the yellow ones together and do the same with the black. There is also a red (+5v) and a blue (sense line). Short them together and insulate them. If you don't do this the brick won't come out of standby. Some models also have a grey wire. You don't need it so cut it off short.

It is possible to open the bricks and do this mod inside them, but unless you are confident and experienced I would advise against it. Screws are under the rubber feet, you will need a hollow Torx security bit.

Cheers

Peter

[sotal]

Hi,

If you are looking for a 12v convertor for use at home the best one I have found to date is the power supply "brick" for an xbox. They are not suitable for use as battery chargers because the voltage is only around 12.3 as opposed to the 14.2 required for charging.
They are cheap as chips at car boot sales (I paid £2 for one on Friday) and even the lowest capacity ones will supply around 12 amps - more than enough to run even the largest cool box.
There is a snag - you will need to cut the plug off and solder on the plug of your choice.
If you (or anybody else) decides to do this, once the plug is cut off you will find 3 or 4 black wires and the same number of yellow. Short all the yellow ones together and do the same with the black. There is also a red (+5v) and a blue (sense line). Short them together and insulate them. If you don't do this the brick won't come out of standby. Some models also have a grey wire. You don't need it so cut it off short.

It is possible to open the bricks and do this mod inside them, but unless you are confident and experienced I would advise against it. Screws are under the rubber feet, you will need a hollow Torx security bit.

Cheers

Peter

Thanks for that - sounds like a good solution. I have an xbox but we still use it as a video player. I take it you do mean a supply from the original black xbox?

Looking through my box of old cables I couldn't see anything that anywhere near. Although I did see a wall transformer that isn't really spare that is 12v 6VA.

[sotal]

Just to add the chargers I have are...


Optimate - won't be up to the job

Argos - Challenge charger. 6 Amp (RMS) Automatic Battery Charger - Model MCH6A. Charges then switches to trickle when fully charged

The old charger I was given is:

Clarke 100B - Start N Charge. The start/charge switch has been taped down by previous owner so I have always presumed the start part of it doesn't work!

Instruction Manual


Are these too intelligent to use?

[g8dhe]

The Clarke 100B should be ideal in the charge mode.

[BigPanzer]

Hi,

Sounds like you might be fixed up!

The ones I have are from the 360. They are rated at 150 watt, ribbed grey ABS box about 7"x3"x2". Kettle type mains input one end, other end has output cable & status LED. There is also another version, slightly longer and rated at 200w. Fan cooled. Worth snapping up if you can find at a good price. I've been using one in the conservatory for about a year now as a driver for LED lighting.

Cheers

Peter