I’m looking to power a few things off 12v car batteries. Whilst my initial test worked, I dont think the power if very stable. So I’m looking to build something to clean the power.
After a bit of googling I found some references to an LTC3780EG:
This looks like what I want, but as I’m still very amateur, I was hoping I could buy this as a kit and then assemble myself.
Again, I tried googling, but couldn’t find a pre-made kit I could order. Can anyone help ?
Alternatively, is there something better available I could solder together myself ? or worst case, can I buy a consumer device that does it all for me.
To explain further, I’m trying to drive some LED’s off it. I have some SMD LED strips that should draw about 2A. Whilst I can connect them and they work, they are usually flickering.
So my theory was that they would need a better power source. Apart from supplying the right voltage (12v) and being able to supply enough current (2A) I presume it will all work.
Unfortunately, I dont have a scope to analyse the source power and confirm 100% that it is dirty or the cause of the problem, so I am taking a guess here.
A car battery in good condition can supply hundreds of amperes. Have you checked the battery voltage? It can be over 13 volts if fully charged. Under about 11 volts is considered to be fully discharged.
If not fully discharged, I think it is very unlikely that the flickering you see is due to the battery.
If you really want to make it yourself then go on digikey or mouser and look for a 12v buck/boost converter IC. Make the “typical circuit” that is in the datasheet on your own awesome custom PCB. Should work, be fun, and be very fulfilling. The typical circuits can be surprisingly simple and work great.
If you just need something that works then go on ebay and look up “buck boost 12v” and you should be able to find something that takes a variable input and puts out 12v.
If you need something of pretty good quality then look in the Pololu.com regulator section.
I agree with JR though, battery shouldn’t make it flicker. Something is loose or a component is left out of your description.