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$3 DC Step Up Converter — Parallax Forums

$3 DC Step Up Converter

ercoerco Posts: 20,259
edited 2012-11-21 12:57 in General Discussion
Saw this on another forum. Hadda gitmee twovum. Up to 94% efficiency? YMMV... :)

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/280754693171

Comments

  • Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi)Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi) Posts: 23,514
    edited 2012-11-21 09:10
    'Looks like a USB socket is fast becoming the standard for 5V connectors.

    -Phil
  • Martin_HMartin_H Posts: 4,051
    edited 2012-11-21 09:20
    Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi) wrote: »
    'Looks like a USB socket is fast becoming the standard for 5V connectors.

    True, except for Apple products which is why I don't buy them.

    I know next to nothing about DC to DC converters. But now that I have a pair of 24 volt motors heading my way I've been wondering about 12 volt to 24 volt DC to DC converters. My idea is to use a 12 volt battery regulated down to 5 volts for the electronics, but boosted up to 24 volts for the motors.
  • ercoerco Posts: 20,259
    edited 2012-11-21 09:26
    Gee, which 24V, 1A stall gearmotors could those be? Goldmine? :)

    I bet you'll find a real 24V battery is the best & simplest way to go. Lead acid are cheap & easy to charge and provide excellent traction :) . Li-Ion or LiPo are getting pretty cheap, compact & light, just tougher to charge.
  • Martin_HMartin_H Posts: 4,051
    edited 2012-11-21 09:38
    erco wrote: »
    Gee, which 24V, 1A stall gearmotors could those be? Goldmine? :)

    I bet you'll find a real 24V battery is the best & simplest way to go. Lead acid are cheap & easy to charge and provide excellent traction :) . Li-Ion or LiPo are getting pretty cheap, compact & light, just tougher to charge.

    Excellent guess!

    24 to 5 is 19 volts and I've heard voltage regulators get pretty hot when the source and destination are that different. So if I go the 24 volt battery route I gather a separate battery for the electronics would be a good idea?
  • Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi)Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi) Posts: 23,514
    edited 2012-11-21 09:52
    Just get one of these to step your 24V down to 5V efficiently and cheaply (click on image):
    MFG_R-78-e%20series_sml.jpg

    -Phil
  • ercoerco Posts: 20,259
    edited 2012-11-21 10:08
    Or a BFR.




    Resistor, that is. :)

    Phil's 5V switching regulator is a bargain at $3.65. Gotta gitmee sumdem.

    Of course, a linear regulator like a 7805 gets hotter as the current and/or voltage drop increase. If your electronics drew very small current, you could put up with that. Your 24V source would likely be several batteries, you could tap off of that (6V or 12V) to reduce the voltage drop and heat dissipation.

    Many ways to Carnegie Hall, but the best way is practice, practice, practice.
  • Martin_HMartin_H Posts: 4,051
    edited 2012-11-21 10:14
    Thanks Phil.
  • CircuitsoftCircuitsoft Posts: 1,166
    edited 2012-11-21 12:57
    Martin_H wrote: »
    I know next to nothing about DC to DC converters. But now that I have a pair of 24 volt motors heading my way I've been wondering about 12 volt to 24 volt DC to DC converters. My idea is to use a 12 volt battery regulated down to 5 volts for the electronics, but boosted up to 24 volts for the motors.
    http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/190637076264
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