Powering 12 volts lights from 5 volt power supply

[dannyp]

Hi guys I have a spinner with strip for the arms which runs on 5 volt and also some 12 volt square pixels in the middle which run from 12 volts. Is it possible to run both from the same PS?

 

[David_AVD]

You could you a 12V power supply and use a regulator to drop it down to 5V. How much current do you need for the 5V load?

To use a 5V power supply with 12V loads, you'd need a boost converter. They are not as common.

 

[damo1271]

I agree with Daivd, its much easier to run both from a 12V PS and use a voltage convertor from 12 - 5v for the 5V strings.
Something like this would do the coversion if you dont want to build your own.
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Free-Shipping-Waterproof-DC-Converter-12V-Step-Down-to-5V-3A-15W-Power-Supply-Module/843715139.html

It just depends on your required 5V current.

 

[dannyp]

Lucky I checked my strip after you guys asked for how much current it uses, as I now realise it is in fact 12 volt strip so I won't need the converter after all. Good to know for the future though. Thanks for your responses

 

[remoteutah]

PC power supply has 12v, 5v and 3.3v. Use a meter to find your outputs on the molex plugs. On the 20/24 pin connector, cut the green wire right at the plug and ANY black wire. Put a switch between those two wires (the green and the black). There... now you have a 12 & 5 volt power supply with a power switch!