Entertainment Center: TVs, Stereos, VCRs and DVDs - convert 18v DC to 12v DC
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06-05-01, 05:30 AM
I have a bunch of old laptop power supplies that put out 18v DC at 1.7 amps and I'd like to convert the output to 12v DC.
What's the simplest way to do that?
Thanks!
Dana Brigham
What's the simplest way to do that?
Thanks!
Dana Brigham
Smokey
06-05-01, 07:08 AM
Good Morning, dbrigham:
The quickest way is use a resistive voltage divider if the load is constant.
The second way is to pick up a 12 volt regulator chip from Radio Shack for $2 or $3. Wire it across the output of the supply using the diagram provided. 18 volts goes in and it will only allow 12 volts at the output. They have a couple different sizes to handle different current requirements.
I'd put the chip on a small circuit board with a couple of filter caps (also noted on chip diagram), put it in a handy box with a jack on one side to plug in the +18 volt supply (depending on which one you use), and put an output cable on the box to plug into the unit. Quick, dirty, and not expensive.
Smokey ;)
The quickest way is use a resistive voltage divider if the load is constant.
The second way is to pick up a 12 volt regulator chip from Radio Shack for $2 or $3. Wire it across the output of the supply using the diagram provided. 18 volts goes in and it will only allow 12 volts at the output. They have a couple different sizes to handle different current requirements.
I'd put the chip on a small circuit board with a couple of filter caps (also noted on chip diagram), put it in a handy box with a jack on one side to plug in the +18 volt supply (depending on which one you use), and put an output cable on the box to plug into the unit. Quick, dirty, and not expensive.
Smokey ;)