How to change 12V DC to 6?

**Skipjacks** · 12-11-2004, 12:19 PM

Here's what I want to do....

I want to put a PC speaker in my center console where the ashtray used to be. It's a great place for it cause i'll be able to hear it easily and the speaker I have in mind really fits in well without hardly any modification at all.

Better part is that there's a small light that's 12V DC going into that ashtray that I SHOULD (not sure yet, haven't tested it) be able to use to power the speaker. Only thing is that the speaker is 6V DC.

Is it particularly difficult to design something to cut that votage in half? It would save me alot of grief trying to run a power supply to the speaker from somewhere else.

**triwav** · 12-11-2004, 12:22 PM

I'd probably get one of those cheap little things you can buy at radioshack for like 10 bucks and just set it to 6 volts output. Not sure how many amps you're trying to pull though so just make sure it can handle it.

**Skipjacks** · 12-11-2004, 12:35 PM

Originally Posted by triwav

I'd probably get one of those cheap little things you can buy at radioshack for like 10 bucks and just set it to 6 volts output. Not sure how many amps you're trying to pull though so just make sure it can handle it.

It's a PC speaker so I can't imagine it could be pulling too many amps.

**Twopoint** · 12-12-2004, 11:59 PM

Napa has a part (12v -6v) that is used for the old 6 volt vehicals, that is relatively inexpensive

**criterzzz** · 12-13-2004, 12:14 AM

get a voltage regulator for 5 volts part# 7405 that's usually enough. if not get another one for 1 one volt and bring the outputs in series. I assume you can use a soldering iron.

Good Luck.

Actually they sell the 6 volts ones too:

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showd...artnumber=7806

left pin 12V input
middle ground
right 6V output.
1A is more than enough for a speaker.

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**Skipjacks** · 12-13-2004, 12:33 AM

Originally Posted by Twopoint

Napa has a part (12v -6v) that is used for the old 6 volt vehicals, that is relatively inexpensive

Your idea is the winner for me because it sounds like the option with the least effort needed from me. haha

But if that part doesn't fit where I ened it, the option from critezzz sounds like it will be really small? I'm assuming?

And not only can I solder, but I actually enjoy it. (Hey everyone needs a hobby)

**criterzzz** · 12-13-2004, 12:35 AM

the unit is very small. size of a penny. make sure you isolate the metal top above the chip. It's ground and the heatsink at the same time. Good luck.