12v regulator

[coreyjon]

Not really a question, just thaught that maybe someone might have a use for this, I designed it for use on an ATV, I am powering something of of the stator coil, and the voltage spikes would kill my sensitive electronics, and I just thaught that it would be possible for someone out there to use delicate electronic componets on the bot, so this simple circuit would keep you from fryin a part, wont fix and undervolt situation, but certanly can save you the hassle of replacing electrical parts, this is definatly not for use on motors, the output curent max is 1 amp. you could beef this circuit up, but I dont know why you would, this was designed to work in harsh, mud filled, and other wise non-electronics friendly enviroments, hense the water tight housing.

http://www30.brinkster.com/technikube/vreg/12vreg.html

A note, the material the capacitors are made out of makes a differance.

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Corey,
The voltage difference you note could be explained in a variety of ways. The meter could be introducing the error, the power supply feeding your circuit could be low. (You need at least 2 volts above the output voltage for the regulator to work, in this case V in should be greater than 14 volts. This is called the dropout voltage) or the variation in regulators (production variations.) produces this lower voltage. I am happy to get 11.8 -12.2 volts out of a 7812 especially the garden variety from Radio Shack.
By the way, if the input voltage allows(i.e. it is high enough), you can add diodes(banded end connected to ground) in series witht the ground pin to raise the ouptut voltage in 0.6 volt steps. Two diodes in series with the ground pin would give you 13.2, three diodes would give 13.8 volts.