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Miniture power supplies ?

dxpwny

Jul 9, 2011
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I frequently do little projects where I want a cheap and small power supply to give me +12v or for some projects just +5v.

A few weeks ago while plugging my cell phone into a 120v charger, it occurred to me ... the charger I used with my phone supposedly puts out up to 2 amps at +5v, and has a simple USB connector.

I've since used it in a simple project and it worked fine. I think I paid $5 for it.
I like that it is very small .. and 2 amps is more then enough for what I do.
I'd like something about the same size - that can put out +12v at ~500 - 1000 mA.

Anyone know of something like that ?

All my other AC adapters are about 3 or 4 times the size ... I'd like something smaller.
 

davenn

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Sep 5, 2009
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the output of the adaptor only needs to be higher than what you are likely to draw from it
so that it doesn't overheat and burn out

you can happily use a 3A adaptor for something that only needs 0.5 or 1A
so go for broke and buy a decent adaptor, they are cheap ....


Dave
 

davenn

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sold all over ebay and local electronics shops
or you probably have an old one at home of some bit of gear that is no longer used
 

dxpwny

Jul 9, 2011
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sold all over ebay and local electronics shops
or you probably have an old one at home of some bit of gear that is no longer used
Yes .... they are 3+ times too big .... like I said in my original post. Thanks though
 

davenn

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so how small do you need it ?
your limitations may well be unrealistic ?

Dave
 

dxpwny

Jul 9, 2011
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I have a few that output +5v at 1 amp.

They are realistic because 1) they work and 2) they are real.

And .... they are only 1 cubic inch. Those pictured above are HUGE.
 

JWHassler

Dec 22, 2014
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The 5-volt units are cheap and ubiquitous because cell phones are.
There's only a tiny electrical difference between a 5- and 12-volt power-supply but (comparatively) no market for the 12's.
That said: look here
 

AnalogKid

Jun 10, 2015
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Digi-Key, Mouser, Newark, All electronics, Marlin P. Jones, Surplus Traders, Electronics Goldmine, Electronic Surplus, MCM, Timeline, ebay, amazon.

12 volt charger, 12 volt battery charger, 12 volt supply, etc.

ak
 

KMoffett

Jan 21, 2009
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I have a few that output +5v at 1 amp.

They are realistic because 1) they work and 2) they are real.

And .... they are only 1 cubic inch. Those pictured above are HUGE.

Can you post a photo of that charger. I've gutted lots of wall warts for small power suppl PCBs...and have even been able to change the output sensing resistive divider to change the output voltage. This is with power supplies that use standard ICs.

Ken
 

KJ6EAD

Aug 13, 2011
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Everyone, FYI: I have hundreds of 12V supplies in the same form factor as the typical 5V phone charger. I offered to sell some to the O.P. via P.M. but he's not responded.
 

debe

Oct 15, 2011
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This is probably what the op is refering to that's 5v & about 1 inch cube. Some of the ones from China are dodgy as in picture. The failed one is a Apple copy.USB Aple iPhone L, orig R, Fake.png USB charger.1.png USB iPhone Fake.png
 
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