Thank you , (*steve*) and kellys_eye for the help
If all you want is a high current 12V supply then salvage an old PC power unit. Using that transformer will require significant linear regulation that would make the result both cumbersome and hot - unless you used the DC to feed a buck converter rated to the current demand you have.
Well I did try several ATX power supplies that I had lying around, none had enough power (amps).
I tried one from a dell desktop that should put out 17A on the 12v rail. and that was insufficient.
I did however just recently buy a 1000w ATX from e-bay for around $50 it should deliver 32A on the 12V rail.
Anyway wheres the fun in buying something when you can make and learn something along the way,
What did you make today?
Those 'tin can' capacitors are actually 'line filters' intended to be placed in line with the incoming AC to filter noise going in and out.
When you say in Line with the AC do you mean like this?
I take it your meter was set to AC for the transformer winding measurements and DC for the voltages after the rectifiers?
#kellys eye Yes! that is how I did it .
# (*steve*)
I suspect that you are measuring voltages with respect to some point that has no connection to the voltage you're measuring and you're just getting capacitive pickup.
No steve I dont think thats what i did. I had my meter tips on the two output lines.