Resistors to up power supply

[jimpeachey]

I generally use a 12V power supply for my models but have recently bought some transistors that can be used to easily make LEDs flash. They take 5V max though. Anyone any idea what resistors i could put inline so that i can still use 12V supplies, otherwise ill use a separate supply for the flashing elements. Thanks.

 

[b26354]

you'd need a voltage divider circuit - but they're inefficient, get hot and the output voltage will vary with the load

Voltage divider - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Simpler to use a 7805 voltage regulator rather than resistors - a google search for 7805 should show plenty of circuit diagrams you can adapt.

 

[PJgearhead]

As b26354 said, use a 7805, very easy to use and cheap. Depending on how sensitive the transistors you mention are, you won't even need to use any capacitors, but they are cheap as hell so you may as well. Just do a google search for the 7805, you will find plenty of info.

 

[jimpeachey]

Thanks guys, i think even i could manage to wire those up!