Amp Draw RV-26

unityrv26

Member
Mar 4, 2012
391
Michigan
Hello everyone...I recently got a NIB RV-26 to add to my collection. (I have another RV-26 and a RV-45).

I would like to run it in my man-cave and am looking for a power supply (From 120 to 12v).

Can anyone tell me the "amp draw" of the RV-26 with 100 watt lamps?
 
May 10, 2012
156
New England
Amps = Watts / Volts

So let's say two 100W bulbs at 12VDC = About 8.5 amps

Same @ 13.8 VDC = About 7.2 amps

I would factor in at least another two amps for the motor if it will be rotating.
 

kerry4951

Member
Mar 10, 2014
825
Central Pa
Just get a Pyramid RSV-300. It will run it no problem and it wont cost much more then a smaller 12-15 amp unit. Dont mess around with the smaller power converters. I seem to find the best price on Amazon. I own 7 of them.
 

MtnMan

Member
Dec 20, 2012
1,533
Eastern PA
Automotive lamps are typically rated at 12.8V, so 200W / 12.8V = 15.6A is the rated draw. Running at a higher voltage, e.g. 13.8V, will increase the draw to about 16.8A.

I agree with the suggestion of a 20 or 30A supply.
 

wilsonbr90

Member
Sep 30, 2013
1,427
Corning, New York
Higher the voltage, the Lower the amperage

200w/12.8v=15.6A
200w/13.8v=14.5A

i ppersonally use the 30amp switching supplys with voltage control. they are relatively inexpensive and a compact size. i can also regulate the voltage from 11v-15v
 

wilsonbr90

Member
Sep 30, 2013
1,427
Corning, New York
Nope. You're used to working with LED modules, which are regulated, but filament lamps are resistive loads (over a limited range.). More voltage = more current.

although you are correct, I am not entirely incorrect. The increase in resistance is not linear change. Once to operating temperature the increase in resistance is less affected by increases of voltage.

Thus is why we use the 5% above calculated load to determine safe factors.
 
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unityrv26

Member
Mar 4, 2012
391
Michigan
Thanks guys! I was actually looking at the Pyramid power supplies on Ebay...but I wasn't sure which one to get.

I'll definitely check out amazon.

Would a 30 amp supply run a RV26 a Dashlaser and a few led's?
 

kerry4951

Member
Mar 10, 2014
825
Central Pa
I can run 2-4 old style incandescent beacons off of one 30 amp power supply at one time. Strobes and LEDs dont have nearly the amp draw as the old vintage lights do so I would think youd be fine.
 

CrownVic97

Member
May 21, 2010
3,350
Hazen, ND
MegaWatt power supplies are one of the best switching power supplies to run any 2-4 bulb beacon and dashlights. They have 33 amp, 36 amp, and 50 amp models. I purchased a 33 amp one just recently to power my Tripp Lite S-75 beacon and it starts up the beacon flawlessly and runs like a champ. I also had gotten one for a friend who had bought a Tripp Lite Big Bar lightbar with two RF-6 beacons on it and this power supply runs it just as well with no issues. The nice part is they come with power cords with an on/off switch and a internal cooling fan to keep the electronics happy.

http://www.12voltpowersupplies.us/

http://stores.ebay.com/MegaWatt-Power-Supplies-US2US2?_trksid=p2047675.l2563

http://www.ebay.com/itm/33-Amp-10-1...775138?hash=item255dd11ba2:g:BsYAAOSwrklVNBvp
ai.ebayimg.com_images_g_BsYAAOSwrklVNBvp_s_l1600.jpg

http://www.ebay.com/itm/36-Amp-10-1...560359?hash=item563e8c28e7:g:Mm0AAOSwEeFVNBkE
ai.ebayimg.com_images_g_Mm0AAOSwEeFVNBkE_s_l1600.jpg

http://www.ebay.com/itm/50-Amp-Stac...-Radio-Power-Supply-MegaWatt-12-/161634497249
ai.ebayimg.com_images_g_n6QAAOSwEeFVNByo_s_l1600.jpg
 
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