One of the most electrical common needs of an astronomer in the field these days is some way of creating numerous small DC voltages from one big one. The most frequently used source being a 12V marine or automotive battery. The smaller voltages could be anything from 5 to 9 volts and are used to power a hub, a camera etc.. Fortunately, there is a family of step-down voltage regulators that are very inexpensive and easy to work with that can provide what you need. These are the 7800 series 3-lead positive voltage regulators.
Your local chapter of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada
