how to reduce voltage

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edlojeski

Member - Posts: 10

Joined: May 23, 2004

Posted: May 25, 2004 at 3:48 PM / IP Logged

i've got a 9v device which i've used successfully via a cigarette lighter adapter from radio shack (12v -> 9v), but now i would like to hard-wire it in. my jeep has the second accessory plug so i was thinking of just splicing into that, but i'm not sure what i need to reduce the 12v to 9v in place of the huge adapter.

any insight appreciated.

thanks.

xetmes

Silver - Posts: 586

Joined: May 18, 2003

Posted: May 25, 2004 at 5:37 PM / IP Logged

depends on the current draw, easiest was would be a discrete voltage regulator, just make sure it is not always powered as it will waste power...

edlojeski

Member - Posts: 10

Joined: May 23, 2004

Posted: May 25, 2004 at 5:52 PM / IP Logged

can you elaborate? my knowledge is limited to basics, i.e. switches and relays...

where could i find this regulator? how/why would it waste power?

fyi, it would be for a wireless video receiver, so not sure what the draw is. i guess i could put it on the same relay as the camera switch...

thanks.

xetmes

Silver - Posts: 586

Joined: May 18, 2003

Posted: May 25, 2004 at 9:30 PM / IP Logged

the easiest way may just be to buy a female cigarette receptical and just use the adapter you already have, and hardwire it in.

A voltage regulator is a small 3 terminal device that can provide a voltage reduction, many different kind exist and many can supply 1A to 1.5A. The cheapest ones will waste a few milliamps without any load...

If you want a regulator they can be purchased at most any electronics stores (maybe radio shack, hopefully...) or online at places like mouser.com or digikey.com

edlojeski

Member - Posts: 10

Joined: May 23, 2004

Posted: May 26, 2004 at 12:18 PM / IP Logged

hmm... i was hoping not to have to go the adapter route, just in terms of space behind the console.

somebody else recommended a transformer (something about more coils on one side than the other).

i'm just looking for the "guts" inside one of those cigarette lighter adapters-- what do they use?

thanks.

xetmes

Silver - Posts: 586

Joined: May 18, 2003

Posted: May 26, 2004 at 1:02 PM / IP Logged

you could use a transformer, it will not be very simple though since you will have to oscillate the DC voltage, step it down and rectify it, it would not be worth all the work. I would assume cig adapters use a linear regulation device to save cost.

A voltage regulator is probably your best bet, as long as you are not drawing more than 1 amp...

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how to reduce voltage

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