Time For A New Charging Rig!

[cml001]

So I built my first charging rig a few years ago with info from the old RCH site... Some of u may have actually helped me along with that project back then. It was made from a cheap Harbor Freight case and some wire & plexiglass from Lowes. Couple pieces I got from tech builder site... I ran a 12V & a 24V side... Later I added some fans.. It turned out pretty good too! I put 2 PC power supplies and a iCharger 306B in it and it works great. However... Using plexiglass was a learning experience to say the least.. The wire I used has a rigid plastic case and is stiff.. Cracked plexi.. Not air tight.. I can do better.. So.. I've got a few parts on order.. This case will be the Pelican 1500.. I'll have a USB plug, a 12v & 2 24V plugs with meters for each, 2 fans, input plug, 2 switches, & a storage lid.. All on the deck.. The chargers will be mounted in the lid. May pretty it up with some LEDs.. I know my current rig with my generator can run 3 chargers on average amp settings.. Or 2 pushing 50-60amps without a problem.. Seems someone always wants to plug into my rig at the field. This is also the reasoning behind a new case.. I'll be using 2 chargers this time. Still looking for the 2nd charger.. But it'll be a quick addition as everything will be ready for it once I obtain it. Sooo.. Here is a shot of the old rig and the start of the new case.

[DOG]

That's a really nice setup you have there cml001 That's a fire proof security box that your using, Is it? I'm just using a ammo box for mine but it works

IMG_0201.JPG (226.05 KiB) Viewed 5073 times

[cml001]

No, not fire proof.

[murankar]

normally when one charges its open air. the ammo cans are for storage only. When they charge the COULD emit a gas that needs to be vented.

[DOG]

normally when one charges its open air. the ammo cans are for storage only. When they charge the COULD emit a gas that needs to be vented.

If you notice I don't close it all the way. Its vented with a 3/4" hole where the wires go through and about 1/4" to 1/2" open at the top.

[Graham Lawrie]

I remember that one from RCH Clay:) Pelican boxes are awesome:) I built mine a similar way and use it regularly:) I love mine:)

[cml001]

Got a little done today.. Not sure about this layout.. In progress!

[Graham Lawrie]

Looking good Clay:)

[cml001]

Changed the lay out a little... The deck only needs the 2 volt meter holes cut and the storage lid cut.. Then it's just a matter of swapping out contents of the old case... Will be a tad different al well.. Gonna replace all the wires due to the hard plastic and stiffness of the old wires... Won't be long now.

[Lee]

Looks good Clay.
I have cut a deck for mine. Started my charge rig project 2 years ago. Still not finished yet
But you are motivating me to get it done,

[cml001]

Test fitting complete.. Time to dismantle the old rig & retrofit into the new case!

[Graham Lawrie]

Well cool Clay:)

[cml001]

Almost done w my new bomb case.. I mean charger case.. Lol.. Couple more wires to connect.. Block in the storage compartment w walls & foam.. I was thinking about LEDs.. But the ones in the fans light it up plenty... Ther is a blue LED in the USB port also, but the rubber plug/cover blocks it when closed.. I'm liking it a lot more than my old one! Finish this up and I can add a 2nd charger to it.

[Graham Lawrie]

Very nice:) and very tidy:) Have you hard wired the charger?

[cml001]

Yes.. The charger will stay plugged in (both when I get a 2nd charger) I'll have the charge leads hard mounted as well so I don't have to use extensions( smaller holes to the left & right of the center hole). Gotta get 2 balance boards also... On the way with them now.

[cml001]

Graham, this is what I've got goin on... Minus a balance board that will be mounted below the charger.. By hard wiring the chargers power leads & the battery power leads.. I can swap out whatever cables I need without having to use multiple extensions... This keeps wire clutter on top of the deck minimal. I got home and the compartment door/lid had cracks.. I must have tightened it too much.. Have to cut a new one.. Really wish I had another option for the deck.. That is cheap! Lol

[Graham Lawrie]

Yes, i see what you have done:) I plug my charger into the banana plugs on top, but hard wiring looks good. All my charging has been indoors so far. The perspex is not cheap. looks very good:) nice job:)

[cml001]

What is Perspex? It's not plexi glass like I have is it? Seems like I asked around and couldn't find it. Plexiglass cracks sooo damn easy.

[Graham Lawrie]

Probably the same as you have but the name for it over the pond:)
http://www.plasticsheets.com/?gclid=Cjw ... oCR_7w_wcB

[murankar]

This is what I want to get for my case. For now I am using plexi and mine cracked because I was stupid.

http://www.tapplastics.com/product/plas ... _clear/508