Some Electrical Help from the Guru's

[Liquid Asset]

I am still looking at bulkhead lights. I was thinking that if I buy a 12vdc LED bulkhead light, I could step down the voltage by using a diode. I know there is a way to determine the diode size needed, but I do not know what it is. Could someone help me with this? Thanks.

 

[TedZ]

A $10 ice cube power supply (like cell phone chargers, radio shack makes a universal one) will give you 12 VDC. A single diode is not going to do anything. You can make a bridge with 4 diodes but the regulation is lousy. Forget making power supplies is my best advice when they are so cheap to buy.

Ted

 

[Liquid Asset]

the problem with the brick is too large. I guess I could probably gut it and solder the internals into the wiring. I am limited on space because it must fit behind the fixture.

 

[Genesis]

One-chip 12V regulator plus filter cap on the output - inexpensive, available at Radio Shack, and for low currnet draws shouldn't require much (if any) heat-sinking. Just make sure the input voltage and output current drain is within parameters for the regulator you select.

I am assuming you have DC but its the wrong (24 or 36) voltage, yes?