Power Inverter for Radio

[jeffrey2]

I have a CDR220 I'll be installing in my bathroom during my remodel...yes, I'm that much of a nut.

I have all of the bits/pieces EXCEPT a power inverter, AC to DC; I've purchased 2; 1 on eBay made for phone chargers...didn't have enough draw and couldn't power the radio on; the other is one for temp use, not meant to be plugged in my attic and left alone.

Question is...what type of inverter do I get and where? Radio Shack and Frys didn't bear much fruit...

Has anyone done this before or am I blazing a trail?

[HawgRyder]

First up:...an Inverter is to create AC from DC.
A Power Supply is to create DC from AC.
So....if you want DC...which is what I suspect...just get a power supply that will put out the correct VOLTS at the amount of AMPS that you need.
If you are trying to run a car type radio on the bench, I would look for a supply that puts out at least 20 AMPS at 13.5 VOLTS.
If the radio has CD or DVD....make that 30 AMPS.
You are NOT going to be able to run that on one of those little wall transformer-type things that are normally used for the kids walkman or such!
Bob

[3.2 CAB]

To change AC current to DC voltage you need a CONVERTER.
To change DC voltage to AC current you need an INVERTER.
Just getting the terminology correct.

[gshiwota]

About 20 years ago my company used to build power supplies used to bench test car stereos. Some of these units were used to power retail car stereo displays - like those boards you see at Circuit City where they had dozens of car stereos you can demo.

These were switching power supplies that put out 12 volts @ 12 amps. I did a quick search on google, and it looks like power supplies with at least this output rating are fairly easy to come by. Here's one I found on my first google search. Note - I don't have any affiliation or experience with this brand or website.

http://www.westcoastmall.net/pyramid-ps14kx-12-amp-12-volt-power-supply/388/p

Thanks.

Gabe

--------------------------
'82 911SC Targa
'61 356 Karmann Notchback

[jeffrey2]

Thanks Gabe, I dont know the proper keywords, so i don't quite know how to search. Type in power converter/ power supply and you get computer pieces...

[gshiwota]

I searched using "12 volt switching power supply" as the keywords and I too got mostly PC power supplies. However there were a few hits for the type of power supply that would work for you.

I doubt there will be many choices for what you're looking for. Actually the link I posted above seems like a good price for this type of unit. This unit is also nice because looks simple - one power cord and one set of +/- terminals. You may also try searching by the manufacture or part number of the unit in that link - perhaps you can find a better price or similar units.

Good luck!

[gshiwota]

I just did more digging... here's one from Radio Shack. This one should do the trick.

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2103960&cp=&sr=1&origkw=power+supply&kw=power+supply&parentPage=search

[rouxroux]

Go to Ebay, then under Consumer Electronics go to "Ham Radio", "Accessories", then type in "Power Supply". I would suggest any of the Astron or Vista supplies...I've used them to run 2meter transcievers & amps for over 30 years...Good units.