How to convert 12V to 5V for incar use ?
I need to create a cable that will run from my car battery into a device that runs on 5V DC power.
It needs to look like this:
INPUT:
12V car battery
Simple bare +ve and -ve wires
OUTPUT
5V 1.25A barrel connector
5.5mm (I beleive)
like this one:
http://sgcdn.startech.com/005329/media/products/gallery_large/USB2TYPEM.C.jpg
Discussions
3 years ago
I found this video on youtube, hope it helps.
PS if u don't want the usb, just remove the usb module and solder a wire to the positive side and the negative side (for help look at diagrams of USBs online)
Answer 3 years ago
also i did not make this video
3 years ago
Purchase one of those cheap lighter-plug USB converters from a local drug store or Wallmart, etc.
Alternatively,if you need more current than they can provide, consider using a stand-alone 3-terminal or other semiconductor regulator. Your car operates on 12VDC, so it will be a relatively simple circuit. Google "7805 regulator circuits" and you should find plenty of examples to work from.
Answer 3 years ago
A USB converter may be a good option, but not all of them can deliver 1.25A. check the data before buying.
The 7805 will work, but you'll need a 78S05, the one without S delivers only 1A.
And even then ... When bringing 1.25A of 12V down to 5V, it has to convert (12V-5V)*1.25A = 7V*1.25A = 8.75W into heat. That is a lot of power for a TO220. You'll need a good heat sink.
Answer 3 years ago
Agreed, but many do advertise themselves as being able to deliver up to 2 or more amps. The local pharmacy sells one that's more than capable of delivering 1.25 (it advertises as capable of delivering 2.5A)
On second thought, the 7805 probably isn't suitable in any variant aside from the T0-3 package. And as you noted, a switching solution is probably best. 7805 was, as usually, suggested due to the lack of skills that result in questions like this in the first place.
3 years ago
I am happy to add the connector on myself . Could somebody send me a link to one of these usb converters you speak ok. One that I could simply snip the end off and be left with. +ve and -ve wire for me to wire my plug onto?
Answer 3 years ago
I can't recommend a particular one for you, but a simple google search for
"Car lighter USB adapter", "Car lighter USB charger", etc should produce many choices that you can select among.
https://www.bing.com/search?q=Car+Lighter+USB+Adapter&FORM=QSRE1
Answer 3 years ago
Lol, or Bing search for that matter. (forgot that I changed my default from google to bing)
3 years ago
Chec Ebay for 5V step down converters, I got one rated at 8amps for under 30 bucks.
If you need under 2A you can simply hardwire aUSB charger fr the cigarette lighter.
Be aware that phones and tablets with a SB charging connection also require a voltage on the data lines to get into full power charging, otherwise they only charge with 100/480mA.
Answer 3 years ago
"Be aware that phones and tablets with a SB charging connection also require a voltage on the data lines to get into full power charging, otherwise they only charge with 100/480mA."
+1
3 years ago
https://www.google.co.uk/#q=12+v+to+5+v+converter
Google
3 years ago
Not that it is too hard to type step down vonverter 5v 3a into the Ebay search and select....
Here is one example:
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/DC-7V-24V-to-5V-3A-Step...
3 years ago
Look for a USB charger converter that can deliver the amperes you need as seandogue wrote or google for switching 7805 replacements. By switching they have to waste much less power - It's effectively what the USB converters do. But make sure they can handle the current (most are only 500mA or 1A)