Robin wrote:
On 06/04/2018 09:00, Chris Green wrote:
Tim Watts wrote:
[snip]

Sounds like a good application for a 200VA transformer, bridge rectifier
and nice lumpy heatsink.

I think you'd be surprised how expensive that would be, transformers
in particular are quite pricey. A PC switch mode PSU would probably
be cheaper for that sort of rating (though would likely have lots of
5v and 3.3v output as well).


JOOI do motorhomes separate the battery from the distribution circuits
when connected to the mains? I ask only as I wondered if it might work
out cheaper to fit (a) a "Smart" battery charger (£20) and (b) a
separate 12V PSU (eg LED driver). Also avoids single point of failure.

We are 'boatey' people but have essentially similar setup, a large
bank of leisure batteries which are used to make us independent of
mains electricity when away from moorings with mains power.

We don't ever disconnect the batteries when using shore power, the
chargers we have (mains powered, rarely used now, and solar powered
which provide most of what we need) are simply left permanently
connected to the batteries. So there's no requirement for a separate
12 volt power supply for use when mains is available.

I did have a power supply on a boat in the UK (the above one is in
France) which could be switched between 'charger' mode and '12v
supply' mode but I assumed the '12v supply' mode was for use when one
wanted to disconnect the battery completely for some reason.
Otherwise I always left it in 'charger' mode with the battery
providing voltage stability.

--
Chris Green
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