Building a car adapter?
My question:
Does anybody forsee any problems with this project? The parts from Mouser only cost ~5 bucks shipped, so it's no biggy if it doesn't work out.
TIA!
-Kc2iLq
[515 byte] By [Kc2iLq] at [2007-11-9 15:33:59] 
I just bought a 20Gb 3g iPod and want to use it in my car. However, I'm not about to shell out $25+ for a cigarette lighter adapter. I called up Mouser Electronics and ordered a firewire jack and a 7812 figuring that I can build my own. I already have the dock cable as well as a cigarette lighter plug to use.
My question:
Does anybody forsee any problems with this project? The parts from Mouser only cost ~5 bucks shipped, so it's no biggy if it doesn't work out.
TIA!
-Kc2iLq
# 1 Re: Building a car adapter?
This guy did something similar, but with batteries. Try adapting this to the 12V DC Cigarette Lighter. http://www.drewperry.co.uk/index.php?do=iPod&ipod=battery
azdude at 2007-11-15 16:05:41 >
# 2 Re: Building a car adapter?
Thanks azdude. That's pretty close to what I was thinking, as for the 1394 jack anyway. I'll get a schematic drawn up eventually, but I was thinking of using a 7812 to regulate the voltage and some capacitors as well as a varistor to keep it stable.-Kc2iLq
Kc2iLq at 2007-11-15 16:06:42 >
# 3 Re: Building a car adapter?
How finicky is the iPod when it comes to voltage fluctuation? I just realized that the voltage can drop below 12v when the lights and stuff are on so the 7812 would shut off. If I was to just throw a couple 2200 or 4700?F caps in, I could reduce any ripple and keep it from dropping out if I turn everything on at once. So, if the output voltage varies from like 10v to 13.8v, will the iPod not like it (will it break)? It should take from 8-30v, but I'd assume that it needs a constant voltage.Somebody must know...
-Kc2iLq
Kc2iLq at 2007-11-15 16:07:52 >
# 4 Re: Building a car adapter?
That thing is pretty cool!Good luck getting it through airport security though. I know if I was working screening station, that contraption would certainly catch my eye.
coons10 at 2007-11-15 16:08:46 >
# 5 Re: Building a car adapter?
I got the parts from Mouser today. I'll probably use a pre-etched circuit board to save time and agrivation. I found out that the 7812 will pass through any voltage below 12v so I can still use my original design. I'll post some pics when it's all done.-Kc2iLq
Kc2iLq at 2007-11-15 16:09:45 >
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