SharkSkin

Sounds like you're set for now... but long term, if you repeatedly make sparks up near the vent caps, the odds may catch up with you...

Victor, I've had a number of people over the years ask me about mysterious problems they had trying to use computer power supplies for projects. It seems that they took a known working PS out of a computer, put a multimeter to it on the bench, and it seemed to not work. In fact, my brother plugged it back into the computer several times until he got tired of scratching his head and called me. Pointed it out just in case.

Normy

1. Take the test: Motorcycle endorsement if you don't already have one. I can't emphasize this enough- riding is very much like flying and you get a sense of freedom when riding that you can't get from a car.

[I keep a '76 CB-750-four in my garage for just such an emergency~]

2. Use your motorcycle battery like you would any other power source. It's only 12 volts, which means that it cannot electrocute you. Use it to troubleshoot your problematic components.

N!

AFARR

I already have the schedule for the PA DOT Motorcycle safety course here--having not ridden anything since I was about 10 years old (and it was a dirt bike), I figured it would be much safer to take the class.

If you are going to be near I-80 in the near future, I have a pile of parts (basically, a complete CB 400 Four Supersport) at my brother's house--he was going to restore it for me (just tack on the replacement turn signals, refill the brakes, etc. and clean it up to be sure it runs), but since the Maxim was complete, I'll probably sell the CB.

AFARR

atb

I don't know if this would work for your application, or if it would do any harm (don't know much about electronics), but whenever I need to get power to a component to my car, or a part of my car, I just use a typical 9 volt battery with a 99 cent snap on lead from radio shack. Sure it's not a full 12 volts, but its been enough to actuate anything in the car that I've come across.

DALEZPLACE

Dennis, batterys can be bulky and can leak acid I do agree with you, In past for stock cars used to secure them in a milk crate had the terminals set up on outside of crate and a quick release to take battery from one car to next. Would often test engines on stand etc... crate was nice and portable also lined with maintaince charger towels and plywood so wouldnt drip on me if car flipped over...lol but could set on floor near where you are working and make a set of leads so you can reach anywhere on your workbench dont forget inline fuse holder maybe even mount it to crate as well. Is best to make your initial connections away from battery,as mentioned earlier by...sorry tried this once to flip back a page and lose everything i typed. but whoever you were that mentioned not make final connections right next to battery. also on crate i used to make had a knife switch (heavy one) could cut power by pulling handle mounted to side of crate

DALEZPLACE

was Dave that brought up the good point of sparks near, had also just thought about a marine(boat) plastic battery box ? very unlikely to leak then ???maybe even fit battery your using now ???

fraggle

Hit your local hobby shop for a 12V gel-cell. I have a couple of these I use for starting the nitro RC engines. Other ideas include (and I've used)

Cheap garden tractor batteries. They're cheaper than motorcycle ones most of the time.

Car charger on a low amp setting

cdbtx

I sacrificed my X-Box for my 12V source..