Regulated supply

[chris_gray21]

can anyone help me

i am powering 2 12v pc fans with LED's also cathodes ( sorry adrian i dont want any troble ) in the car, they will be connected to the ignition supply then a switch also fused ( not sure what rating tho ) but i am after coming of a regulated supply so i dont blow anything.

any ideas

cheers

[Adrian]

You didn't like my answer to this in your other post then [img]/biggrin.gif[/img] ...

<!--QuoteBegin-Adrian+--><div class='quotetop'>(Adrian)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteEBegin-->cathode transformers take alot of power - usually around 0.75Amp each so you'd be pushing it anyway. To be honest, the only thing that will really do any damage to them is reverse polarity. Use a low value fuse like 2Amps and run off the car battery 12~14.4 Volt supply. It'll give you all the protection you need. Fans' the same story.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

Your cathodes and fans won't be bothered by a little over-voltage. By keeping the fuse rating low it'll drop a volt or so itself - if things start getting a bit frisky.

The cost of a 12V DC/DC convertor that would provide you with a rock-steady 12V out for 8V ~ 15V in would probably be more than the cost of the stuff you're worrying (unnecessarily) about [img]/wink.gif[/img]

[chris_gray21]

sorry mate

i ment by not wanting any trouble by mentioning cathodesnot your answer i totally forgot about you reply mate alot has been going on ( bad s**t ) just continuing with the install to try and take my mind off it

thanks again mate for your help and i will upgrade to ICELED as siin as i can as they are the best [img]/wink.gif[/img]

cheers mate

[Adrian]

Hey, no sweat - have a big man-hug from me - and take it easy! [img]/smile.gif[/img]

[chris_gray21]

thanks matey

can i ask do you know if you can extend the cathode cable or is it best not to. sorry for the cathode question they are winding me up a bit now not long enough bloody things lol

cheers

[Adrian]

The wires to the transformer are deliberately short due to them carrying alot of electrically 'noisy' power. They carry over 100 Volts too so the insulation has to be damn good too. My advice is to leave them alone if you can, otherwise extend them no more than you have to - and be sure to use wire with a high enough insulation breakdown voltage.

Cathodes are a very cheap way to get a bright light, but the price you pay is in wishy-washy colours and nigthmare wiring problems.

I got fed-up with them breaking and stopped using them ages ago...