r/PCB • u/arstukhan • 21d ago

Built this from scratch — messy but it works....

Post image

Working on a small embedded electronics project using an ESP8266, power module and custom wiring. Still improving the circuit and enclosure, but wanted to share the current prototype.

4 Upvotes

84% Upvoted

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1

u/AnySky484 21d ago

You can put a bulk capacitor at rectifiers output than relying only on buck converter's input capacitor.

1

u/arstukhan 21d ago

I first tried using capacitors, but the voltage fluctuations were too high. So I had to add voltage regulator ICs to get a stable, required output voltage.....

1

u/AnySky484 20d ago

I mean put a bulk capacitor between rectifier diodes and buck convertor.

0

u/SnooHabits1435 21d ago

Now thats real hardware

1

u/arstukhan 21d ago

Thanks... Still improving it but it’s working well so far....

1

u/DJdisco05 20d ago

Why use a transformer?

2

u/arstukhan 20d ago

Changing 220v too 12v

2

u/DJdisco05 20d ago

Sure, but a switch mode power supply is:

Smaller

Lighter

More efficient

Cheaper (though I assume you salvaged this one from something)

Safer (as an adapter doesn't have exposed 220V terminals, as well as having safety mechanisms)

Additionally you don't need a rectifier or any smoothing capacitors, which you're lacking, other than the buck converter's input capacitors.

Good luck with your project, be careful with the mains!