Clyd3
New Member
Hi everyone.
Got a dental handpiece here which needs a transformer for its light.
It's a 3.5V little bulb.
I'm just deciding the best way to go about putting together power for the little guy.
I know I could get 3.6V from a pc power supply, but that's large and chunky - I'd like the place to be neat and organized (which it isn't). I wouldn't mind using one of those wall warts (because that's in the socket (still smallish) and regulating from there.
Googling for a while (these are my options so far) - if I don't give in to using a pc power supply, to use a zener diode (3.6v) or a lm317.
The advantages of using a lm317 in power supplies from what I understand is that they have current limiting and overheating protection. But they seem to normally be used for regulated power supplies. Would one be suitable for this fixed voltage?
I don't know how to use zener diodes yet (wouldn't take too much to learn) and i know you get 3.6v zeners. Would this be a better option?
In summary I want a nice small setup which won't kill the bulb - any pointers or amazing hints?
My main concern is: Very little is known about this expensive little lightbulb other than it is 3.5V. What are the risks of burning it out with too much current or something? and how can I reduce the chance of damaging the bulb?
Got a dental handpiece here which needs a transformer for its light.
It's a 3.5V little bulb.
I'm just deciding the best way to go about putting together power for the little guy.
I know I could get 3.6V from a pc power supply, but that's large and chunky - I'd like the place to be neat and organized (which it isn't). I wouldn't mind using one of those wall warts (because that's in the socket (still smallish) and regulating from there.
Googling for a while (these are my options so far) - if I don't give in to using a pc power supply, to use a zener diode (3.6v) or a lm317.
The advantages of using a lm317 in power supplies from what I understand is that they have current limiting and overheating protection. But they seem to normally be used for regulated power supplies. Would one be suitable for this fixed voltage?
I don't know how to use zener diodes yet (wouldn't take too much to learn) and i know you get 3.6v zeners. Would this be a better option?
In summary I want a nice small setup which won't kill the bulb - any pointers or amazing hints?
My main concern is: Very little is known about this expensive little lightbulb other than it is 3.5V. What are the risks of burning it out with too much current or something? and how can I reduce the chance of damaging the bulb?