Electronics help

[Alan Rencher]

@arencher

 

I would consider myself a pretty technical guy, but I'm finding it hard to come up on some of the trade secrets for electronics / power info for rigs. Specifically, I want to step down my 14.4v to use with various accessories. It's probably common knowledge for all of you guys, but I just don't know where to get the info on how to do this, and what parts I need.

 

Would this work for stepping down? http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062601

 

I just want a better understanding. Thanks.

[Alfeo Dixon SOC]

Would this work for stepping down? http://www.radioshac...oductId=2062601

Unless your looking to add in a pot to control the voltage regulator, just go with a fixed regulator for your a.k.s. power output. 12V Regulated

 

 

Most of your gear that is built for steadicam and production usage will handle upwards of 16~18volts... thats just about what your batteries output fresh off the charger. You really only need a regulated 12volts for the ones that will only take 12volts.

 

On my Ultra2, I do have another DC out that is adjustable from 4.5v to 9.5v and this is good for my Archos and such.

[Michael Suchar]

Alan, I agree with Mr. Dixon, the 7812 regulator is a good option. I'm rebuilding my J/D boxes and that's what I'm using. Just make sure that the regulator you use will handle the required amperage the device needs. I think the 7812 is a 1amp regulator. (obviously don't use any thing that will exceed your post cabling tolerance).

 

 

 

 

 

@arencher

 

I would consider myself a pretty technical guy, but I'm finding it hard to come up on some of the trade secrets for electronics / power info for rigs. Specifically, I want to step down my 14.4v to use with various accessories. It's probably common knowledge for all of you guys, but I just don't know where to get the info on how to do this, and what parts I need.

 

Would this work for stepping down? http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062601

 

I just want a better understanding. Thanks.

[Alan Rencher]

Thanks for the help guys. One last thing. Let's say that I wanted to run a camera from the power on my sled. Would a selectable voltage regulator work (Like the one you mentioned on your rig) as cameras like the HVX, 7D, etc use around 8V?

[Jerry Holway]

Thanks for the help guys. One last thing. Let's say that I wanted to run a camera from the power on my sled. Would a selectable voltage regulator work (Like the one you mentioned on your rig) as cameras like the HVX, 7D, etc use around 8V?

Alan-

 

Go to your local library and take out "The Art of Electronics" by Horowitz and Hill.

 

Your questions here could be endless, and you need some basic understanding of electronics, and you need to do your homework.

 

There are hundreds of 7812's out there, all with their own spec sheets... and you need at least one capacitor to make the simple regulated circuit work, and this is an oh so common and simple circuit from at least the 1970s, so it is not esoteric or hard to find at all; it's even printed on the back of the Radio Shack part package...

 

Radio Shack also used to have different project books (including one on power circuits) and a bigger book about understanding electronics in general... at least start there. Cameras list their specs. Read and understand what you are doing before you design anything. It's awful to have smoke coming out of either your sled or the camera when on set....

 

When you build your own stuff, you must take the responsibility that it will work as intended. If you don't want to do that... pay someone else who knows what they are doing...

 

Jerry

[chris fawcett]

http://tinyurl.com/38rfsyy

[Alfeo Dixon SOC]

It's awful to have smoke coming out of either your sled or the camera when on set....

Couldn't agree more!

[Jerry Holway]

http://tinyurl.com/38rfsyy

Brillig!

[Alan Rencher]

Thanks Jerry. I'll look that book up.

 

Seems that I can't avoid the forum trolls. Why have a "Newbie" forum if not to ask questions?

[Brian Freesh]

Thanks Jerry. I'll look that book up.

 

Seems that I can't avoid the forum trolls. Why have a "Newbie" forum if not to ask questions?

 

At what point was someone a troll? You were given friendly useful advice by everyone. Are you referring to another thread?

[chris fawcett]

Thanks Jerry. I'll look that book up.

 

Seems that I can't avoid the forum trolls. Why have a "Newbie" forum if not to ask questions?

 

At what point was someone a troll? You were given friendly useful advice by everyone. Are you referring to another thread?

That would be me. I must admit to having taken greater offense at lesser transgressions, and of having caused lesser offense by greater ones. I am curiously unaffected by this one, though happy to offer an apology.

 

Chris

[Brian Freesh]

Were you a troll in some other thread? Cause there's no troll behavior here.

[chris fawcett]

Were you a troll in some other thread? Cause there's no troll behavior here.

It's in the eye of the betrollder.

[Ken Nguyen]

Hi Alan,

Why spending time to build those DC step-down converter!

Those are very cheap now a day.

You can find one in ebay for less than $10.00 a piece from Hongkong.

Also, check out local electronics store for surplus cigarette cell phone power adapter.

Just need to check the output voltage and current to match with your device.

Fly safe w/o smoke!

Ken Nguyen.

[Sydney Seeber]

Hi Alan,

Why spending time to build those DC step-down converter!

 

check out local electronics store for surplus cigarette cell phone power adapter.

Just need to check the output voltage and current to match with your device.

 

That's all I did, works like a charm, and I've since applied said formula to a multitude of projects non steadi-related. Know enough before you go in though. You can't really ask the people behind the counter these days as they're far more interested in selling you underachieving televisions at twice the market value. They know nothing of all the electronic "stuff" they sell hidden in little drawers tucked in the corner. For the various things that are too complicated - which are probably far between - Hire an expert, such as Mr. Terry West who frequents the forums here quite a bit. You'd be surprised at how economical hiring an expert can be, as well as worthwhile.