Align 5.1V Step Downs... Dont?

[ExtremeXS]

Hey,

Just checking this is not just me....

Was doing some power re-routine on my TRex 600NSP to sort out a governor issue. This prompted me to check that the voltage was as expected in areas where I had stepped down from the 6V regulated BEC.

This is when I noticed that the Align step downs, which are supposed to step from regulated 6V to 5.1V do not appear to be doing so. Instead of dropping the 6V (actually 5.8) by 0.7V to 5.1V, it is only dropping it to 5.6V (a drop obv of 0.2V).

I have noticed that Align do not mention how much 'drop' there is, but that's not even close to 5.1V, esp for a connected tail servo?

Anyone else think this is a little odd???? I also added a Spektrum Duel Voltage Regulator, which is doing exactly what is says on the tin.

Cheers,

[jamiem]

just take it out, this has been done to death on here! do a quick search and you will find a few very long posts about those nasty step-downs....

[Andy from Sandy]

Just for information the component is a silicon diode in its forward conducting state. The junction drops 0.6-0.7 of a volt so if the supply voltage were 10 volts the output would be 9.3-9.4 volts. As you state the output from the Align regulator is 5.8 volts so the voltage on the other side of the diode will be or should be 5.1-5.2 volts. If it is not then the device is faulty in some way.

In conclusion do as jameien suggests and take it off, it is not actually required.

[ExtremeXS]

Thanks, I get that there's no point in it being there, as it's doing very little!

I checked the one on my 500 and 250, they are also the same, and from other batches of step downs.

I guess what I am getting at, is that none of the Align ones I've seen actually do what they say they do...

Cheers,

[t-rex pedro]

Do a search for my thread on this matter. All the info you will need. I don't run one now after one made my 700 crash.

[ExtremeXS]

Hey Pete,

I've seen your 700 issue post already, sorry to hear about it. I have read the horror stories too.

Thanks,

[jiberjaber]

You wont see the voltage drop if you measure it open the diode needs a load on it to conduct.

[ExtremeXS]

Ahhh, that may well make sense

Thanks Jason, much appr.

[Sieze2]

You wont see the voltage drop if you measure it open the diode needs a load on it to conduct.

What he says !

[xygax]

http://www.fairchildsemi.com/ds/1N/1N4001.pdf

Foward voltage is directly proportional to current in a diode...

Steve..

[ExtremeXS]

Just to wrap this up, tested the step down under load, and as the servo gets busier, the voltage reduces closer and closer to 5.1V.

You certainly never stop learning in this or any other game!

Thanks for your help folks.

[marktigere1]

Just a note.

I took the heat shrink wrapping off mine and then applied some hot melt glue.

Then put some new heat shrink on and job's a goodun.

I only use it on the 450 running a 3154 as I believe this will fail if run on 6V.

Cheers

Mark