I am looking at testing some add-ons, gauges, radio, etc on my workbench.
I am trying to test out some theories on extra parts.

I want to use house power to test the parts.

What / how do I take house power down to the same as it would recieve by harley power.

What is the proper voltage/amps/etc?

Thanks!

 

WOW you have to TAKE 110 AC TO 12 VOLTS DC IF I ASKED THIS QUESTION I WOULD NOT DO THIS

 

Use a battery charger.

 

That part is easy.

Most of your small household electronics drop from 110v to 12v or 9v or 3v or 6v or whatever with the plug-in.

I just don't know exactly what I need to bring it down to other then 12v.

 

Couple different ways you can accomplish this. Here a link to a great product that will apply a 12v voltage to any electrical component you wish to test. http://www.etoolcart.com/power-probe...equipment.aspx

Or, you can go to any electrical supply store (like Radio Shack) and purchase a switch board, or a change board, for just a few dollars. Something similar to this: http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...lickid=prod_cs. Utilize your motorcycle's battery OR, a battery charger for input power. Connect the pos and neg leads to the board and you'll have a virtually unlimited choice to connect your electrical leads. You can wire them in series or parallel, or series/parallel, whatever you want. If you want to play with different impedances, power settings and/or current draws, you definitely want to utilize a good battery charger.

One additional thing you could probably do with option 2 would be to come straight from your A/C wall outlet into a good stepdown transformer, and then from it to the change board.

Sounds like a cool project!

Brad

 

Yep just disconnect the battery and hook up your charger to the cables. Turn it off when you are making new connections and turn it back on to test them. I completely rewired my old Chevy Blazer this way. If you don't have a battery charger this is a great excuse to buy one and it frequently comes in handy.

Sorry I misread and thought you wanted to test on the bike. Either way the charger will work though. Just connect jumper wires to the charger cables and connect your test wires to them. You can use alligator clips for the temporary connections, just make sure the poles don't touch or short on any metal.

 

Look at the wiring diagram. If a component is supplied 12V at the connector closest to it then a straight 12V from a battery charger will work. If there's a transformer or resistor between the connector & the power source (battery/alternator) you'll have to figure out what the voltage is. I don't remember any circuits like that, but I'm not lookin' at a schematic right now.

 

Thanks for all the comments.

I am testing the entire dash system & Radio system and Gauges for a '09 Ultra.

Again, all spares. I want to make modifications to layout, leds, etc and not have to dissaemble and reassemble the fairing everytime i want to test.

I ride my bike daily and dont want down time.

 

House Power (120 volts AC) step down to Motorcycle Electrical Power (12 volts DC):

I am looking at testing some add-ons, gauges, radio, etc on my workbench.

I am trying to test out some theories on extra parts.

I want to use house power to test the parts.

What / how do I take house power down to the same as it would recieve by harley power.

What is the proper voltage/amps/etc?
Take a look on your bike where the fuse is located for your Radio & Gauges, what amp rating is on the device that you want to power up, or use your manual or look on the back of your radio what is the amp rating for the device you want to power up. Make sure the POWER Supply that you use to convert AC to DC is rated to protect your equipment.
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2103959
Power when you need it, where you need it.
Power your DC devices using any wall outlet. This 13.8VDC 3-amp power supply allows you to use household AC to power 12 to 13.8VDC electronic devices or automotive accessories that have banana plugs or bare wire leads. It's ideal for use on a test bench when working on car stereos, CB sets or other communications equipment.
· Accessory outlet accepts any standard power adapter up to 3 amps
· Built-in accessory socket can charge or power another 12VDC device while you work
· Fused circuitry provides extra protection for your devices in the event of a power overload
You'll also need
· AC House Current
Pricing and availability: Please note that all prices are subject to change without prior notice. Prices advertised on this site are for online orders only. Prices on some items may differ from those advertised in RadioShack stores. All merchandise may not be available at all stores, and all stores may not participate in all sales promotions. We recommend you contact the store to confirm product availability and price.

Disclaimer: The total combined current for accessories plugged into this power supply should not exceed 3 amps.

 

I used to race RC cars and trucks, we used a 12volt power supply to get 12 volt power for our chargers. They plug into a 110 socket and are reletively cheap too. Might want to check out some local hobbie shops.