I found an interesting YouTube video on how to properly set up a DC to DC Buck Down Converter/Charger.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Iey_qXxAmkI’ve been using the Buck Converters on my layout for about three years and they work great for regulating voltages. I have voltages for different accessories, 1.4 volts for 1mm 1½ volt micro bulb vehicle headlights. 4.5 volts for Miller Engineering animated signs, 5 volts for Arduinos, 8½ volts for the 12 volt Grain of Wheat bulbs in my structures and streetlights.The $5 converters are powered from a $23 12 volt 30 amp switching power supply. Because of the switching type circuitry they produce very little heat. At full load only slightly warm to the touch. I also use the Buck Converters to charge Lithium batteries as the video describes and spent hours seting them up, this video makes is very easy to set them up.Mel My Model Railroad http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/ Bakersfield, California I'm beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.
I just use ones liek this:
https://www.amazon.com/Zixtec-LM2596-Converter-Module-1-25V-30V/dp/B07VVXF7YX/ref=psdc_10967761_t2_B07PDGG84B
Under $2 each. Not as fancy, but I use one per circuit, not one to drive a whole bunch of things, since the 3A rating of these little things is absolute dreamland. Half that is more reasonable.
I figure, why pay over and over again for the ones with voltage readouts, when once you set them (using the voltmeter you already have), you never change them? A dab of fingernail enamel on the potentiometer screw after its set will make sure it doesn't ever change.
For users of EasyEDA for PCB design, I have a footprint to PC mount these. Just solder 4 header pins on the corners, then solder that to the PCB of the project.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
I have a single meter with a rotary switch on my control panel for checking the converter outputs. I use the 300 watt converters for my layout. The highest current is the 8½ volt converter for my structures and street lighting at a bit over 6 amps, I’m not to far from my second 8½ volt converter.I leave the meter on the 1.4 volt converter, I have about 300 1mm micro bulbs on that one. It runs a bit over 4 amps set to 1.35 volts.Mel My Model Railroad http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/ Bakersfield, California I'm beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.