DC to DC Converter Quality - Does it Matter?

[shovenose]

Need to hardwire a dashcam in my new Crown Vic and I'm wondering how important it is to get a good quality vs a crappy DC adapter and how do I tell if it's good or not? They all look about the same about the same price range. I'd happily spend a few bucks more to get a really well-made one but I don't really see too many options. Thank you in advance.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/DC-DC-Conve...W/182901814133

[Andrew F. Ali]

Re: DC to DC Converter Quality - Does it Matter?

I have used and still using the cheap Chinese types and they work well. Just unsure the Current rating is adequate.

[shovenose]

Re: DC to DC Converter Quality - Does it Matter?

I have used and still using the cheap Chinese types and they work well. Just unsure the Current rating is adequate.

Thanks! Yeah it's a little dashcam that works fine on a 1A port so the "3A" one should be fine.

[tibimakai]

Re: DC to DC Converter Quality - Does it Matter?

I'm using the same thing, for over two years, with no issues. Except the cams battery does not last to long and needs replacing. I have a Mini 0805 camera.

[redwire]

Re: DC to DC Converter Quality - Does it Matter?

For 12V to 5V car SMPS, I thought using a cheap one to charge a $500 phone is not a great idea.

I use KIM-055L modules (thanks stj!) which are efficient and good for over 4A, they use TPS40057 IC and some mosfets. You can find them on fleabay and Ali, unpotted for under $3. Also some boards have 4-port USB to use as car charger.
I replace the two electrolytic capacitors with solid polymers, so it works in winter, and add a huge automotive-rated TVS diode SM8A27 to protect against transients, just soldered underneath. This has worked great for years.

Some 12V to 5V DC-DC units I've seen are junk (overheat, crap capacitors, low Vin max like 16V).

[shovenose]

Re: DC to DC Converter Quality - Does it Matter?

For 12V to 5V car SMPS, I thought using a cheap one to charge a $500 phone is not a great idea.

I use KIM-055L modules (thanks stj!) which are efficient and good for over 4A, they use TPS40057 IC and some mosfets. You can find them on fleabay and Ali, unpotted for under $3. Also some boards have 4-port USB to use as car charger.
I replace the two electrolytic capacitors with solid polymers, so it works in winter, and add a huge automotive-rated TVS diode SM8A27 to protect against transients, just soldered underneath. This has worked great for years.

Some 12V to 5V DC-DC units I've seen are junk (overheat, crap capacitors, low Vin max like 16V).

I would never use anything but a quality, name-brand adapter to charge my phone, that's for sure. But for a cheap-ish dashcam, I don't care so much lol.

[budm]

Re: DC to DC Converter Quality - Does it Matter?

What I do not like about using Buck converter is that when switched MOSFET shorted out, it will dump the input Voltage to the output. I put fuse and 6.2V zener at the output just in case.

[sam_sam_sam]

Re: DC to DC Converter Quality - Does it Matter?

What I do not like about using Buck converter is that when switched MOSFET shorted out, it will dump the input Voltage to the output. I put fuse and 6.2V zener at the output just in case.

I never thought about this but you are right I have one those Buck converter
not the same model but it does the same thing

Here is the one that I have

https://www.ebay.com/itm/26089468014...84.m1436.l2649

Thanks for posting this thought