A Portable 12v Power Supply
Intro: A Portable 12v Power Supply
OK so here's the backstory on this one...
I was going to go camping with my kids, and we do some easy geocaching. I usually use my phone, but wanted something that didn't need a data connection. I'm on a tight budget, and I already had a GPS unit, but the battery doesn't hold a charge.
I looked up buying a battery, and they're relatively cheap... so that's the best way to go.
But I was also short on time and couldn't wait for shipping. So I made this... and it was so cool and versatile it was worth keeping... and sharing.
I was going to go camping with my kids, and we do some easy geocaching. I usually use my phone, but wanted something that didn't need a data connection. I'm on a tight budget, and I already had a GPS unit, but the battery doesn't hold a charge.
I looked up buying a battery, and they're relatively cheap... so that's the best way to go.
But I was also short on time and couldn't wait for shipping. So I made this... and it was so cool and versatile it was worth keeping... and sharing.
STEP 1: Materials
Batteries
12v vehicle outlet
Wire (2 colors)
Thin metal plates (optional)
Electrical tape
Wire stripper/cutter
Small box
Voltmeter/Multimeter (optional, recommended)
Scrap lumber (optional)
12v vehicle outlet
Wire (2 colors)
Thin metal plates (optional)
Electrical tape
Wire stripper/cutter
Small box
Voltmeter/Multimeter (optional, recommended)
Scrap lumber (optional)
STEP 2: Wire the Batteries in Series
This is really easy with just 2 6v lantern batteries. Wire positive on one battery to negative on the other battery.
DO NOT WIRE POSITIVE TO NEGATVE ON THE SAME BATTERY!
For 1.5v types just make a battery pack by wiring positive to negative on the next battery until you have no batteries left. With either configuration you should end up with one positive and one negative terminal remaining 'open' or unwired.
To 'wire' the AA batteries I cut up a plate from the back of a computer tower I had lying around.
As you can see the AA's take more time, are more 'complicated' to wire (you may have noticed I used some scraps instead of wire, too), have a slightly different output voltage (but still acceptable), and the advantages are smaller, and lighter. Also be aware that the lantern batteries will give a lot more battery life.
DO NOT WIRE POSITIVE TO NEGATVE ON THE SAME BATTERY!
For 1.5v types just make a battery pack by wiring positive to negative on the next battery until you have no batteries left. With either configuration you should end up with one positive and one negative terminal remaining 'open' or unwired.
To 'wire' the AA batteries I cut up a plate from the back of a computer tower I had lying around.
As you can see the AA's take more time, are more 'complicated' to wire (you may have noticed I used some scraps instead of wire, too), have a slightly different output voltage (but still acceptable), and the advantages are smaller, and lighter. Also be aware that the lantern batteries will give a lot more battery life.
STEP 3: Attach the Leads
Ok. Now we just attach the positive and negative leads to the battery and to the 12v outlet... sort of...
First you want to have the outlet where you want it. To do this simply cut a hole in the box you're mounting it in, take the outlet apart, put the negative (outside 'shell' of the lighter assembly) inside the mount and the positive (center of the lighter assembly) through the hole. Then screw the assembly back together It should bite down on the edge of the hole and stay in place.
Hook up the leads, remember positive to center, negative to the outside, and polarity DOES matter.
You may have noticed that I have some of those metal plates in the box... well, in case you were wondering, I just measured and superglued my battery wiring (the plates) to the box so I can change out the battery easier... It's harder. But since it's done now, I won't change it... in this box. I think if the contacts were glued to the box lid it WOULD be easier... maybe another box will have this.
Battery in, and a bit of 2x4 scrap as a spacer so my battery doesn't move (not really needed if you don't glue your contacts in place). And make sure you wrap up all the wire ends with electrical tape to prevent shorts.
And we have portable 12v power.
Testing and using this box I have been able to simultaneously charge 2 mobile phones and power my GPS with no problems at all (using a 3-way 12v power splitter). I recommend using a plastic box, or at least not something flammable, unlike I did.
First you want to have the outlet where you want it. To do this simply cut a hole in the box you're mounting it in, take the outlet apart, put the negative (outside 'shell' of the lighter assembly) inside the mount and the positive (center of the lighter assembly) through the hole. Then screw the assembly back together It should bite down on the edge of the hole and stay in place.
Hook up the leads, remember positive to center, negative to the outside, and polarity DOES matter.
You may have noticed that I have some of those metal plates in the box... well, in case you were wondering, I just measured and superglued my battery wiring (the plates) to the box so I can change out the battery easier... It's harder. But since it's done now, I won't change it... in this box. I think if the contacts were glued to the box lid it WOULD be easier... maybe another box will have this.
Battery in, and a bit of 2x4 scrap as a spacer so my battery doesn't move (not really needed if you don't glue your contacts in place). And make sure you wrap up all the wire ends with electrical tape to prevent shorts.
And we have portable 12v power.
Testing and using this box I have been able to simultaneously charge 2 mobile phones and power my GPS with no problems at all (using a 3-way 12v power splitter). I recommend using a plastic box, or at least not something flammable, unlike I did.
3 Comments
PierreG1 8 years ago
Hey dude, could this project work with a single
NiMH Battery Duracell DR-35 Battery, I have laying around?MixMixery 8 years ago
I'd have bought a small motorcycle battery (maintenance-free, 3kg, 15x8x10cm³, 12V / 8Ah) for 25 EUR + charger 15 EUR... :-)
belliott76 8 years ago
Going with a motorcycle battery or even a 12v scooter battery bumps the cost up significantly for initial investment with the advantage of being able to get greater current if you want to use an an inverter, greater battery capacity/life and the ability to recharge instead of replace, which will of course reduce long term costs. I do use 12v scooter batteries for DC lighting in my camping equipment.
Also using a motorcycle or scooter battery significantly increases the weight of the final product. I originally wanted this box to power my GPS for geocaching, so AA batteries series'd up to 12v was by far the lightest option to carry around.
Lots of options here depending on needs! Thanks for the comment!