[soapstone]

It depends how handy you are...

If the item requires only a small amount of power, and requires an odd voltage, you can make your own pretty easily if you know how to soldier and know a bit about electricity. Do a web search for "passive voltage regulator". The simplest of them are three pinned devices, one for 12V in, one for ground, and one for the regulated voltage out. Many are current regulated so they won''t overload themselves no matter what. Just remember that even if the lower voltage device is not connected, if the regulator is it will still draw some power. Also be CERTAIN to fuse it for the maximum rated current of the device, and provide a radiator for a heat sink, as an integrated circuit is nothing but a box full of smoke. Fail to fuse or cool it and you''ll find out.:-)


PS- the heat sink is normally directly connected to the 12V source, so insulate it with a nylon/mica kit.

Dave