24VDC to 12VDC

I have a customer coming in with a military truck. The vehicle has a 24VDC setup. I haven't seen or tested anything in the vehicle to check for 12VDC circuitry( like a bus that uses 12v and 24v). I'm putting in a reverse camera and two side cameras. How are people generally converting the 24VDC to 12VDC (if I need to). Are installers using a voltage regulator or is there a easier way of doing it. BTW the cameras won't work with 24VDC.I drink current, eat ohms, and bleed voltage

Does it have 12 volt or 8 volt batteries?

What kind of truck is it? Likely it's 2 12 volt batteries.

I'm unsure on the exact truck because I didn't talk to the customer but I believe it has (2) 12v batteries in seriesI drink current, eat ohms, and bleed voltage

I've used a linear voltage regulator...years ago, not the most efficient method though. A switching regulator would have much better efficiency. As a plus, the cameras probably don't draw much power. The linear regulator wouldn't generate much heat.

Chances are there are 12 volt batteries. Are the cameras to run all the time, or just with ignition? If only with ignition find a relay with a 24 volt coil and get power off the battery that is grounded to the chassis.

Most trucks over 3.5 tons in Europe run 24 volts. This is the sort of thing they have built in. voltage_dropper.png Otherwise go with Mr. Idiot's plan, that's how I do C/vehicle alarms.

Thanks for the info everyone. Now I'll have a better idea of what's at hand when the truck comes in but I think the install Is gonna be more on the lines of howie's suggestion so I'll have to get a voltage dropper just to be safe.I drink current, eat ohms, and bleed voltage

I'm positive they're also available in the US, here we have all sorts of current capacities but I doubt you'll need more than the lowest.

Yes there are many 24VDC to 12VDC converters available here in the states. A quick web search will yield numerous current capacities.