High Efficiency Power Conversion Unit, 5 V
Efficiently converts 12 VDC input to 5 VDC output for Pocket PC's. Compatibility with a complete line of cables allows the device to be used with a wide variety of Pocket PC's, GPS's, flight computers, flight loggers, etc. The unique modular design allows easy upgrades in the future. Upgrading your Pocket PC or logger will require the purchase of only one new cable. This product has been copied by several competitors, but none of them offer all the features found in this extremely popular product. This product is worth every penny.
- Input: 10.2 to 16 VDC
- Output: 5 VDC @ 1.2 A
- 85% Efficient with 12 V input
- RS-232 Pass-through
- 12 VDC output pass-through for powering Volksloggers, Garmin GPS's, etc.
- Capacitor for battery switchover mitigation - The capacitor supplies power for a short time if there is a momentary power interruption such as when switching between batteries. Most competitive products do not offer this very nice feature. That is partly why the PS-5a is a bit more expensive than competitive products. Even if you don't need this features now, you may want it in the future. I always install 2 batteries in my gliders that are selectable using a panel mounted switch so that I'm certain to always have enough power for all my toys.
- Reverse power connection protection on the 12V power input
- Resettable fuse protection - The built-in fuse negates the need for fuses for the devices powered by the PS-5a. Most competitive products do not offer this feature.
- RFI suppression
- Low power draw when not powering any other devices, about 8 mA (less than an LED light)
Dimensions: 3.5" long x 3.3" wide (including mounting tabs) x 1" thick
Accepts existing :: Goddard :: PDA cables
Electrical Noise Suppression
Electrical Noise can be a problem with low cost switching power converters. The Goddard PS-5a has been extremely popular with glider pilots around the world and I've never had any complaints about electrical noise from the PS-5a interfering with the aircraft radio. Below is a list of techniques used in the PS-5a to minimize electrical noise:
- Internal ferrite shielding on both power and ground lines coming into the unit.
- Capacitive filtering on the power lines
- RFI/EMI filtered DB-9 connectors
- Ground and power planes on the printed circuit board