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DC Voltage Reduction

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Discussion in 'Troubleshooting and Repair' started by TorontoJoe, Dec 4, 2012.

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  1. Dec 4, 2012 #1
    TorontoJoe

    TorontoJoe

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    Dec 4, 2012
    I'm risking making myself seem foolish here but I just don't know so here goes. I have a camcorder with a 12v DC output that's intended use is an on-camera light fixture. I've traditionally used a 20w incandescent light. In an effort to increase battery life I got an LED fixture that is powered by 2 AA batteries rated for 3 to 4.5V.

    Now - I don't want to be dealing with AA batteries all the time and wish to power it from the cameras output. I'm guessing I need to reduce the voltage somehow or I'll blow my LED lamp.

    Is it just a matter of splicing a resistor in on the positive wire? If so what kind exactly?

    I need to keep it light and compact so a DC-DC converter type unit won't really work.

    Can anyone advise me in simple terms?
     
  2. Dec 4, 2012 #2
    KJ6EAD

    KJ6EAD

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    Aug 13, 2011
    You have at least a space the size of 2 AA batteries. Go to a well-stocked thrift store and buy a few cell phone car chargers for $1 or $2 each. Look for ones with an output voltage around 4.5V but 5V is alright too. Take the little circuit board out of the charger, cover it with a big piece of shrink tube and route the input wires to a plug compatible with your 12V supply. Connect the output to the battery terminals (include a 1N4001 diode in series if using 5V). The whole thing should fit in the battery compartment.
     
  3. Dec 4, 2012 #3
    TorontoJoe

    TorontoJoe

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    Dec 4, 2012
    Great idea thanks.
     
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