12v Regulator

[Jonathan Parris]

I have a few small accessories I run on my Steadicam that rely on a consistent 12v power source. When I tap power from my rig, the voltage seems to max out around 16v on a full charge, and then level off just over 14v after running around for a while. The problem is, even at 14v, I blow fuses in my accessories (thankfully they have fuses).

 

Is there a commercially available voltage regulator that would work for making the current stay at a consistent 12v? Or is there an easy way to make one? I am proficient with electronics, but prefer not to re-invent the wheel if someone has already worked out all the bugs in their own schematic.

[Afton Grant]

Depends on what/how many electronics you're trying to run. You can get a very simple 12V regulator at Radio Shack for under $5 but it'll only handle a certain amount of current and you'll need a heat sink. More robust ones are in the $70 range. Also going to depend on how you want the thing to operate. Is it going to be a box you velcro onto your rig? Do you want to install it inside your sled?

 

Plenty of people have worked out these bugs, but they're usually customized for their own applications. Tell a little more about what you're using and how you'd like it to work and perhaps we can steer you in a better direction.

[Zachary Shannon]

I have a few small accessories I run on my Steadicam that rely on a consistent 12v power source. When I tap power from my rig, the voltage seems to max out around 16v on a full charge, and then level off just over 14v after running around for a while. The problem is, even at 14v, I blow fuses in my accessories (thankfully they have fuses).

 

Is there a commercially available voltage regulator that would work for making the current stay at a consistent 12v? Or is there an easy way to make one? I am proficient with electronics, but prefer not to re-invent the wheel if someone has already worked out all the bugs in their own schematic.

 

Mr. Parris,

Many thanks for your inquiry. IDX System Technology has recently introduced a series of V-Mount Plates that offer several variations - among them, the P-V212 - which conforms to supplying 12V DC regulated power. Dual D-Taps are positioned with one on each side of the plate a 2-pin D-Tap interface mating 12V power connection and a second D-Tap for optional accessory power requirements (lights, etc). We have attached the operations manual on this new series for your review; you may also see more information by downloading our product catalog from our website at wwww.idxtek.com. Please let us know if you have additional questions and how we can be of continued service and support.

Thank you - Vickii Chaffee, IDX System Technology, Inc. (310) 328-2850

[Jonathan Parris]

Thanks for the replies.

 

Afton, I believe the RadioShack regulator would work for most of my applications. My main concern was with my inexpensive wireless video transmitter. It does not pull more than 300mA, so the 1A limit of the RS regulator would do fine for it. In the long run, a more robust regulator would be nice though. I have a portable 12v light I use for wedding receptions that pulls closer to 3A. I normally just have to carry around an extra 12v SLA battery to power it, but it would be nice to tap it off my rig as well. The only thing I have running off my rig's battery currently is the monitor, so it seems pointless to carry around all these extra batteries when there is so much Amp/hrs to spare on the rig.

 

Vickii, the V-mount battery plate looks great, but all my batteries are Anton Bauer.