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<blockquote data-quote="Drxz" data-source="post: 5759429" data-attributes="member: 603317">To reduce the car&#039;s operating voltage from 14.4v to 12v you can use a voltage regulator. If the device&#039;s amperage is under 1 amp then this regulator will work: <a href="http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062600" target="_blank">http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062600</a>There about the size of a stamp and require soldering to connect leads.I&#039;ve used these to knock down voltage for 12v PC case fans used to cool amplifiers.&nbsp; Minumum input voltage is low enough on this regulator to still operate under non-charging conditions (car engine off).I&#039;m sure there are voltage regulators for higher amperage loads if needed.As far as a positive power source you can tap into your fuse panel using an Add-a-Circuit Fuse Holder, if it will fit: <a href="http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=071-580" target="_blank">http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=071-580</a>. This is the simplest method but usually the most expensive($6-$8). You can tap into a 12v+ wire but I don&#039;t recommend it. There is also the use of ATO/ATC clip style fuse tap or ATO/ATC lead wire fuse tap. Depending on what is used the load wire may or may not need its own inline fuse. If you want more help on this, please pm me.For your negative connection (ground) you can attach a lead with ring terminal to virtually an bare metal part of the car. Never hurts to check for ground using DMM first.</blockquote>

[QUOTE="Drxz, post: 5759429, member: 603317"] To reduce the car's operating voltage from 14.4v to 12v you can use a voltage regulator. If the device's amperage is under 1 amp then this regulator will work: [URL="http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062600"]http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062600[/URL] There about the size of a stamp and require soldering to connect leads. I've used these to knock down voltage for 12v PC case fans used to cool amplifiers. Minumum input voltage is low enough on this regulator to still operate under non-charging conditions (car engine off). I'm sure there are voltage regulators for higher amperage loads if needed. As far as a positive power source you can tap into your fuse panel using an Add-a-Circuit Fuse Holder, if it will fit: [URL="http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=071-580"]http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=071-580[/URL]. This is the simplest method but usually the most expensive($6-$8). You can tap into a 12v+ wire but I don't recommend it. There is also the use of ATO/ATC clip style fuse tap or ATO/ATC lead wire fuse tap. Depending on what is used the load wire may or may not need its own inline fuse. If you want more help on this, please pm me. For your negative connection (ground) you can attach a lead with ring terminal to virtually an bare metal part of the car. Never hurts to check for ground using DMM first. [/QUOTE]

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