Model Boat Mayhem

Technical, Techniques, Hints, and Tips => The "Black Arts!" ( Electrics & Electronics ) => Topic started by: Cornishman on August 25, 2011, 12:26:49 pm

Title: 12v to 6volt reduction
Post by: Cornishman on August 25, 2011, 12:26:49 pm

I am building a boat which I have to run the motor on 12 volts. However I also have a bow thruster which I need to run at 6 volts. I could wire two 6 volt batteries in series and take a centre tapping to give me a 6 volt supply, or install  one 6 volt and one 12 volt battery and use two separate supplies, But is there a better way I can do this possibly electronically?
Can anyone help?

Title: Re: 12v to 6volt reduction
Post by: john s 2 on August 25, 2011, 01:06:47 pm

A centre tap would be fine or as you say a 12v and 6v battery Could be better depending on space and weight. John.

Title: Re: 12v to 6volt reduction
Post by: malcolmfrary on August 25, 2011, 05:21:18 pm

Since the thruster will probably be used intermittently, the center tap should be fine.  Either that or a separate battery.  Trying to do it electronically, at the current required, would result in an electronic lump about the same size.

Title: Re: 12v to 6volt reduction
Post by: dreadnought72 on August 25, 2011, 06:48:18 pm

What's the max amps of the bow thruster? Because, as I found out in the Racundra thread, there's a cheap(ish) way to get 6V out of a 12V stone if <5A is ok.

Andy

Title: Re: 12v to 6volt reduction
Post by: Cornishman on August 25, 2011, 07:26:43 pm

It is the Graupner 1785 thruster with a Speed 400 motor quoted at 4 amps at max efficiency

Title: Re: 12v to 6volt reduction
Post by: dreadnought72 on August 25, 2011, 09:31:49 pm

Hmmm...then the regulator (http://www.freeprawnracing.co.uk/etronix-li-po-regulator-6.0v-5a-et0556.html) I mentioned would seem to be ok.

It contains an LM338T (a guess, but based on some reading about the subject) and a few components to lower a 12V source to 6V output, and is capable of outputting 5A. If the bow thruster is going to run for short periods now and again, I can't see this regulator melting. Might be worth a punt since it's only a tenner?

Andy

Title: Re: 12v to 6volt reduction
Post by: cos918 on August 26, 2011, 05:31:37 am

There is this
http://www.harbormodels.com/site08/main_pages/power_distribution_panel.htm

But a 6V battery would be cheaper.

John

Title: Re: 12v to 6volt reduction
Post by: Timo2 on August 26, 2011, 07:52:04 am

Hi Cornishman

    I have a PM

 Timo2