12v step down options?

[Yodeling]

I recently completed my DIY LED fixture, and it's been running great. Until today. It's now turning off every 20 minutes or so. I narrowed it down to the 12v HRD step down I got off ebay, which powers the fans and the Arduino controller. For now, I can power these from a wall-wart, but I like the convenience of a step down. Are all these HRD step downs junk, or did I get unlucky? Is there a better step down that is inexpensive?

 

[Eud]

I got a huge and inexpensive 48V to 12V stepdown from MPJA and put it in the box with my led supply. It also had 5V and 3.3V which I didnt use. It has been very solid so far.

 

[perkint]

Try a meanwell SCW...

Tim

 

[zachts]

SCW probably wouldn't provide enough current for all the fans and arduino, you'd need several, but Meanwell does make larger step downs, they just aren't as small, look around on the powergate website.

 

[Eud]

Do you really need a stepdown? How about a 5A 12V Meanwell power supply that you could wire up to 110V in parallel with your led power supply.

 

[gbru316]

Depending on current draw, a linear regulator would work fine and cost less than the switching regulator you're currently using.

 

[smmiller506]

Server computer power supply. Designed for always-on, mission critical status. You can also wire 2 of them together for redundancy. Also, if you do go with this, add up all of your 12VDC systems and add 20%. Get a PSU for that wattage. It will run most efficiently at that load.

 

[Yodeling]

Thanks everyone for the feedback. I'm starting to lean towards having a separate PSU for the 12v. Seems to be more efficient and economical than taking converting the 48v to 12. I'll look into the Meanwells as well as server PSUs.