Erthenvar Freelunch Efficient -12V to +5V Eurorack regulator provides your modular system with up to 600mA of current on the +5V rail without loading down the +12V rail.
Story
The standard Eurorack bus header was designed with a total of 16 pins and includes a +5V rail. Unfortunately, the Eurorack standard does not require this rail to be powered because traditionally few modules have needed +5V in addition to +/-12V.
Some of the latest offerings in the Eurorack format use digital technology to bring new and exciting circuits to the market. Modern digital integrated circuits require +5V (and lower) voltage supplies. Currently, manufacturers using digital ICs are forced to include onboard regulation from +12V to +5V, which can overload the +12V power rail.
The Freelunch -12V to +5V Eurorack Regulator will breathe new life into your existing case and power supply by powering the +5V rail of your bus board without loading your +12V power supply. Most modules draw more from the +12V rail than the -12V rail, leaving the -12V as an untapped resource in your existing power setup! The Freelunch provides up to 600mA of +5V power to the on-board Eurorack bus headers and optionally back to the bus board.
Features
- High efficiency -12V to +5V inverting voltage regulator
- No load on the +12V power rail
- Pi filters on the input and output
- New: Header guard ensures proper installation
- Two standard 16 pin Eurorack bus headers that include +5V from the Freelunch module and direct connections to other bus pins
- Indicator LED shows if voltage is present on +5V bus power rail
- Jumper routes regulated +5V back to the bus board (only install if LED is NOT active)
Installation
- Turn off case power supply
- Place the Freelunch on to an open 16 pin Eurorack bus connector. The Erthenvar logo should be rotated 90 degrees clockwise and the silkscreened -12V designation should match your bus board -12V location (usually at the bottom). The header guard will prevent you from fully inserting the Freelunch unless all header pins are properly aligned
- Ensure the jumper is not installed, then turn on case
- (Optional) if the indicator LED is not active when the case is powered on, the jumper can be installed on to the header to power the bus board with the +5V output voltage from the Freelunch. The indicator LED will activate after installing the jumper. DO NOT install the jumper if the LED is active