Voltage regulation options for powering onboard recording equipment from 14.4V to lower voltages

Gear

ZephyrCan I fly my Alexa or RED on a Zephyr?389

Master SeriesIs a used Master Series rig worth buying as a first big rig?191

BFDHow do I power my BFD receiver from my camera or sled?186

VoltCan I retrofit a Volt onto my existing sled or gimbal?168

ArtemisHow do I power my camera and accessories from an Artemis sled?166

MDRWhere can I mount my Preston MDR on my rig?143

ModulusIs there a Modulus option for HD wireless video?141

G-70Will my G-70 fit my vest, gimbal or sled?126

FI+ZCan I control iris and zoom wirelessly, not just focus?60

HU3Where can I get my HU3 repaired, refurbished or repainted?60

CineLiveHow do I pack and case my CineLive rig for transport?54

G-70XHow does the G-70X compare to Pro Titan, Xarm and other arms?46

Trinity 2Is Trinity 2 SUP 3.0 firmware safe to install or buggy?46

Ultra VestWhich vest should I choose for my body size, comfort and operator type?39

2005Brackets/Widgets forum

21 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.

Switching regulators are more efficient than linear types, generating less heat and allowing higher maximum output with minimal weight penalty.
Linear regulators like the 7805 are inexpensive and compact but limited to around 1 amp output and generate significant heat when stepping down higher voltages at moderate currents.
A pass-transistor circuit using a standard 78xx series regulator combined with a power transistor like the TIP32 can increase current capacity while keeping costs under 5 dollars.
Switching regulators can induce interference in video signals, which can be mitigated with capacitors placed at the regulator output.
When using linear regulators at higher currents, adequate heat-sinking is essential as they must dissipate the voltage difference multiplied by the current as waste heat.
Switching regulators in plastic housings offer convenient mounting options compared to linear regulators requiring large heat sinks.
For applications requiring different voltage outputs from the same battery source, multiple regulator leads can be built with dropout occurring when battery voltage drops sufficiently below the desired output.
Pre-built adjustable DC-DC switching converters with ratings of 3 amps or higher are commercially available at reasonable cost from electronics suppliers.

One reported case of video interference from a switching regulator powered from mains AC, but unclear if this applies to DC switching supplies.
Linear regulator approach reliability concerns mentioned for high-current applications typical in recording equipment.
Pass-transistor circuit design requires calculating resistor values based on specific device current draw; incorrect calculations could cause device damage or resistor failure.
Heat dissipation capability depends on ambient temperature and available natural airflow; high power applications may require active cooling in hot environments.
Ground isolation issues possible in certain vehicle power configurations when using metal heat sinks.
Warranty may be voided when using non-original power supplies on some equipment.