Hello!
I am currently planning a multimedia hardware control surface that involves a large number of motor faders of the type RSA0N11M9-LIN10K (ALPS).
They are rated at typical 10V / max. 800mA
The whole project uses an ATX power supply, so I have plenty of power available.
The problem is, the provided lines (3.3/5/12V) are not suitable to power the faders. 5V is possible, but not reliable in the longer run. 12V exceeds the rating of the fader motor.
My idea is to reduce the 12V line to 9V for the faders, but what is the best solution for achieving this? Have a separate standard 7809 voltage regulator for each fader? Or is there a component/circuit available to have the power for multiple faders at once?
A single buck converter of suitable current rating could do what you want to reduce 12V to 9V or you could use a boost converter to get 9V from the 5V output
Neither would waste as much power, nor get as hot as a 7809
The real question is how many motors are you going to start and operate at once, very important question . The ATX may not be big enough. Example: a 235-watt ATX unit, you should see about: +5V—Maximum of 22 amps (110 watts) +3.3V—Maximum of 14 amps (46.2 watts) +5V and +3.3V combined—Maximum of 125 watts. Check the 12V capability, it should be on the label. You could have maybe a dozen (SWAG) running at once. You will also have to size the Buck converter(s) appropriately as they have to supply the full load.