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How Hot Does Your Heatsink Get Under Normal Conditions?

RowanRowan
edited January 2015 in General
Hi,

I've recently finished my LXR, the build went very well and worked perfectly first time. I have also added the Trigger IO option with both V and S trigger components fitted. I'm using a 9V 600mA power supply.

I have noticed that the voltage regulator heatsink gets rather hot, not hot enough to indicated there is a hardware problem but hot enough to concern me about the long term reliability. It's almost to hot to touch, I can touch it for an extended period but if it much hotter I wouldn't be able to.

My initial thoughts were that having both the S and V trigger transistors Intalled would be increasing the power consumption demands placed on the voltage regulator. I disconnected the trigger IO PCB to see if that made a difference but the heat generated did not change.

I think I'll just intall a bigger heatsink but I would be interested to know how hot other people's LXR heatsink get assuming they have a correctly assembled unit.

Rowan

Comments

  • julianjulian
    7.5V - warm
    9V - hot, still able to touch, but quite hot (also depending on how many LEDs are on)

    In general one can say as long as you still can touch the regulator it is ok.
    If it gets too hot it will shutdown itself.
    Electrolytic caps next to it are in general ratet to 105°C

    If you are really concerned use a 7.5V PSU
  • RowanRowan
    Ok, that's good to know that this is normal. As you suggest Juilan, I think I'll switch to a 7.5V PSU.
  • nightworxxnightworxx
    It's always a good rule of thumb to not use more voltage as required, as the excess will dissipate as heat.
  • AltitudeAltitude
    You can always shell out the extra cash for a Recom or similar switching vReg and replace the 78xx.  They run about $10 and are cool as a cucumber
  • RowanRowan
    edited January 2015
    You can always shell out the extra cash for a Recom or similar switching vReg and replace the 78xx.  They run about $10 and are cool as a cucumber
    This sounds interesting... Something like this?
  • nightworxxnightworxx
    Yep, but  beware of the specs. Recoms are mostly used for upscaling DC-DC voltage recommendations. If you need more than one voltage and have to switch to AC power supplies they are ideal.
  • AltitudeAltitude
    edited January 2015
    Rowan: Exactly those.  I use them all the time as drop in replacements for 7805.  Full load and 18V DC in they barely get warm
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