My electronics skills are very basic to say the least. I can just about follow a basic electronics diagram but a lot of it baffles me; and let's face it, electronics is far to easy to launch into technical workings and geek-speak and baffle the "novice"!
My hobby is making video gaming consoles into portable handheld systems, or, as a forthcoming project, an integrated multi-system; which involves board reductions, modding boards, etc.
In other words, i'm an intelligent chappie, however my electronics knowledge is extremely basic (although I am very good at fine soldering work). We all have strenths and weaknesses, so please be gentle!!
So, here's my application for request of your help please: One of my console systems is a ColecoVision console, which annoyingly requires not only 12v but also 5v and -5v. The 12v is easy (might even run of 7.4v Li-ions maybe) and the 5v I can easily get off a 7805 or a step-down regulator like the PTH08000 series. Problem is the -5v (negative). I need (as memory serves me) around 200mA on -5v, so ideally wanting to have the ability for 500mA on -5v. I will be using the same power supply for the 12v or 7.4v (7.4v ideally), 5v, 3.3v (for another application) and this -5v.
I have tried a couple of options already and failed. I have found this Negatron converter **broken link removed** which seems ok (I think!) although quite expensive.
I am hoping there is an easy way to do this, and some kind soul here could show a really easy to follow diagram for someone with limited electronics know-how to follow please? Ideally a sketch with pictures or easy diagram?
I read somewhere here that people sometimes use two battery supplies, one for positive voltages and the other for negative voltages. How can that work when it means in effect having grounding also being connected to the positive terminal on a negative voltage system too (eg like the Coleco example above) - surely that will cause a short??
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