12V to 5V Convertor

Gumbo · 27-05-2013 09:37AM #1

Ok, long story short, my dash cam is 5V. The car is 12V.
I used to have the camera hard wired to the glove box torch with an adaptor for BMW but that wont work on my new car (E36).

I was going to hard wire the cam to my dome light, but obviously need a convertor.

Any idea where or what kind to buy?

Thanks.

colm_mcm · 27-05-2013 09:40AM

Maybe wire in a cig socket and use a standard charger?

Are the hard wired adaptors less prone to heating up?

Gumbo · 27-05-2013 09:51AM

colm_mcm wrote: »

Maybe wire in a cig socket and use a standard charger?

Yeah, i think that may be the best option tbh.

colm_mcm wrote: »

Are the hard wired adaptors less prone to heating up?

No idea Colm, just means less of a wire tucking job

Phill Ewinn · 27-05-2013 10:35AM

Could phone radionics in glasnevin or farnell in Rialto. Both are big versions of maplins electronics.

mullingar · 27-05-2013 10:47AM

kceire wrote: »

Ok, long story short, my dash cam is 5V. The car is 12V.
I used to have the camera hard wired to the glove box torch with an adaptor for BMW but that wont work on my new car (E36).

I was going to hard wire the cam to my dome light, but obviously need a convertor.

Any idea where or what kind to buy?

Thanks.

Any ciggy plug-in charger with a USB connector will do. Cut a USB cable and the red is +5V and black in GND.

You will find these in any 2Euro shops etc

colm_mcm · 27-05-2013 10:52AM

mullingar wrote: »

Any ciggy plug-in charger with a USB connector will do. Cut a USB cable and the red is +5V and black in GND.

You will find these in any 2Euro shops etc

What's your thoughts on leaving them plugged in on long journeys buried in the headlining? I bought an iPod adaptor like this and it got very hot.

Eric Cartman · 27-05-2013 10:52AM

http://radionics.rs-online.com/web/p/switching-regulators/6894766/]

5v 2a output and will take 7-28v in so it will handle weak batteries / alternators etc..

or a slightly cheaper but of questionable quality option : http://www.ebay.ie/itm/DC-12V-to-5V-3A-15W-Step-down-Converter-Regulator-female-Panel-mount-USB-for-car-/161006629218?pt=UK_BOI_Electrical_Test_Measurement_Equipment_ET&hash=item257cbe3162

Spook_ie · 27-05-2013 11:00AM

Most cameras I've come across use a usb connector for their 5v , use a car usb phone charger and cable, something like these

http://www.halfords.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_11101_catalogId_15551_productId_818751_langId_-1_categoryId_212352
+
http://www.halfords.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_11101_catalogId_15551_productId_901717_langId_-1_categoryId_212352

Gumbo · 27-05-2013 11:06AM

Spook_ie wrote: »

Most cameras I've come across use a usb connector for their 5v , use a car usb phone charger and cable, something like these

http://www.halfords.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_11101_catalogId_15551_productId_818751_langId_-1_categoryId_212352
+
http://www.halfords.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_11101_catalogId_15551_productId_901717_langId_-1_categoryId_212352

I already have the default ciggy lighter connection, im trying not to have to run the cable from my windscreen around and down to the ciggy port and plus, the ciggy port stays live on my car well after shut down (BMW E36).

I believe the dome light internally shuts down after the standard BMW 16 minute cool down.

If i have to cut and splice, i might aswell just cut and splice what i have to the torch charger behind the glove box, which at this stage is looking likt the best answer.

ironclaw · 27-05-2013 11:36AM

Eric Cartman wrote: »

http://radionics.rs-online.com/web/p/switching-regulators/6894766/]

5v 2a output and will take 7-28v in so it will handle weak batteries / alternators etc..

Best option by a long shot. Don't be messing around the eBay USB chargers etc. Its not that hard to wire and solder, and it will be far better as you can cut and splice to measure. Just be mindful of heat (Shouldn't be much at all as a DVR would only pull about ~200mA, if even). Do a test before you install.

Harcrid · 27-05-2013 11:42AM

I have one of these sitting in a cubby hole near the fuse box in my car. I then just plug my car cam directly into it and use the USB port for charging my phone whenever I need to. I have the cam cable routed from the headlining, down the side trim and into the cubby hole so no wires visible.

I used a piggy back fuse to tap into the fuse box.

Eric Cartman · 27-05-2013 11:46AM

ironclaw wrote: »

Best option by a long shot. Don't be messing around the eBay USB chargers etc. Its not that hard to wire and solder, and it will be far better as you can cut and splice to measure. Just be mindful of heat (Shouldn't be much at all as a DVR would only pull about ~200mA, if even). Do a test before you install.

encase the board in something like this http://radionics.rs-online.com/web/p/general-purpose-enclosures/7733081/

and attach it to one bottom of the case with a thermal transfer pad, all the head dissipation you could want for the board.

12V to 5V Convertor

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