Here is a quick video on how I turned an old ATX computer power supply in to a nice DC power supply that gives 3 v, 5 v, and 12 v at good current ( 10 amp and more) plus other voltages (23 v and 15v) at about 500 mA .
I've made several of these and I always find new uses. I usualy get the ATX power supplies for free. I look at it as a re-cycling project to keep electronics out of landfill.
You can see that I added a ammeter and a variable resistor to measure and control the amount of current I am using.
I use the DC power supply to charge Li ion batteries scavenged from laptop power packs.
I usually find of the 9 a or 12 cells, there may be 2 or 3 that are no good, but the rest are OK. I use these good cells to re-power cordless drill and flashlights. They are much better than the Ni Cd cells, hold more charge and do not self discharge when stored and do not have the so-called memory effect of Ni Cd cells..
5 окт 2024