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Converter module 12VDC to 230V, test, opinion

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  • Converter module 12VDC to 230V, test, opinion
    The module you see in the picture can be found on auction sites as a 40W 12DC to 220VAC converter . Seeing the design of the device in the photo, I wasn't expecting much for the price of $ 2. I was hoping that the module would work and allow you to power a 230V GU10 compact fluorescent lamp or "bulbs".
    After starting the module, as expected, it turned out that a ~ 40kHz sine wave appears on the secondary side of the transformer, the effective voltage may reach several hundred volts in no-load condition. As the power consumption increases, the output voltage drops to the 220V visible in the description and even less 90-100V. On the board you will find the fields marked -12V (GND) and + 12V where we connect the 8-12V supply voltage. In points B and D we get a rectified output voltage of 100-300V.
    Converter module 12VDC to 230V, test, opinion

    Be careful when starting up, because of the voltage threatening to health and life in the system.
    When working without load, the system consumes ~ 68mA, supply voltage 12V, the rectified output voltage may reach even 400V, such configuration should be avoided.
    After loading the LED GU10 8W output, 0.87A current flows at the input of the system at a voltage of 12V, while the output is ~ 260V and 30mA:
    Converter module 12VDC to 230V, test, opinion

    After connecting two LED GU10 8W, a current of 1.73A flows at the input at 12V, the output is 230V and 66mA:
    Converter module 12VDC to 230V, test, opinion

    The efficiency of the system is ~ 73%, the transistors heat up quite a bit during operation, a small heat sink should allow the heat to dissipate. The connected light sources worked satisfactorily at the input voltage of 9-12V, while they went out completely at about 5V.

    To sum up: a dangerous system (no output voltage control),
    lack of documentation,
    errors in the auction descriptions,
    information suggesting that the output will be 220V AC (which suggests the mains voltage),
    in fact we get an undefined high frequency AC voltage, or DC.
    When connecting an unloaded simple AC-> DC converter as a receiver, there is a risk of explosion of the electrolytic capacitor (too high supply voltage).

    With careful use, the module can be useful to power 230V light sources, and the board can fit in the base of the lamp holder. You can use a 12V installation or even a battery power supply (e.g. 6x1.5V AA) for power supply. If we install an effective 230V LED luminaire, which is rarely turned on for a short time (e.g. above a mirror), the module can replace (or delay) ;) ) 230V power supply, wall hammering, cable routing, etc. works.

    Converter module 12VDC to 230V, test, opinion

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  • #2
    mkpl
    Level 37  
    What more to expect from a self-excited push-pull converter (ZVS)? This is good for direct supply to fluorescent lamps. It is not suitable for powering LEDs or energy-saving ones, because the rectifier diodes at the "input" are too slow for the kHz with which this system works.

    $ 2 a decent price well below the production costs in Poland.
  • #3
    modero
    Level 22  
    Simple construction
    The price is amazing :) $ 2
    I wonder how much does it cost to produce a dollar?
    Through the Chinese
  • #4
    Simon79
    Level 20  
    Could be used to power NIXIE lamps :)
  • #5
    TechEkspert
    Editor
    mkpl wrote:
    What more to expect from a self-excited push-pull converter (ZVS)? This is good for direct supply to fluorescent lamps. It is not suitable for powering LEDs or energy-saving ones, because the rectifier diodes at the "input" are too slow for the kHz with which this system works.
    $ 2 a decent price well below the production costs in Poland.


    The price attracted me to this module. There are fast diodes at the output of the module and a rapidly pulsating rectified voltage enters the LED "bulb" with slow rectifying diodes. When powered from a discharged 6xAA, where the voltage during power supply LED drops to ~ 7V, 17W LED lights:
    Converter module 12VDC to 230V, test, opinion

    Adding a 330nF capacitor at the output raises the output voltage by a few volts and probably reduces the losses on the rectifier diodes in the LED:
    Converter module 12VDC to 230V, test, opinion

    With 7V, the 18W compact fluorescent lamp will not start anymore, but the power supply from the old AGM 12V battery is sufficient for the light source to work:
    Converter module 12VDC to 230V, test, opinion

    @ Simon79 you could probably power the NIXIE, although there are probably better, more stable and more efficient methods ... but not cheaper.
  • #6
    zgierzman
    Level 31  
    TechEkspert wrote:
    @ Simon79 you could probably power the NIXIE, although there are probably better, more stable and more efficient methods ... but not cheaper.


    ... and cheaper.
    To power nixie, milliamps are needed, so it can be done better and cheaper. In my clock (it has been working continuously for over 10 years), a converter made on the MC34063, a choke, a diode and a few resistors works. Suboptimal, quickly out of the question, but the cost certainly did not exceed $ 2.
    And such a converter may be smaller than a thumbnail (mine is not, because I used parts from the drawer - the diode is in the TO220 housing, or similar, because it was the only one I had for the appropriate voltage).
    If you search, you can probably make a good and reliable inverter for nixie for less than $ 1 in retail prices in Europe.
    At TME, MC34063 costs about 30 cents, and it is neither the best for this application, nor probably the cheapest ...
  • #7
    TechEkspert
    Editor
    Additionally, the MC34063 will provide stabilization / control of the output voltage.
  • #8
    zgierzman
    Level 31  
    TechEkspert wrote:
    Additionally, the MC34063 will provide stabilization / control of the output voltage.

    That's it. I forgot to mention the PR that I set the output voltage with in the BOM ;-)
  • #9
    TechEkspert
    Editor
    I will add that the theory with fast diodes at the output of the module and "slow" diodes in the LED "light bulb" is correct,
    I have confirmed it in practice, the 10-47uF electrolytic capacitor at the output of the module (behind the rectifier) improves the operation of the module when powering the LED light source.
  • #10
    kkknc
    Level 43  
    It was necessary to illuminate the meter. The light bulb shines through the image and readings are barely visible.
  • #11
    Malas1984
    Level 29  
    The subject is as old as the world, but see how with 2 $ (about 8 PLN) + let's assume the shipment (because it is different and the price is free) it changes in two years. Price: #Aliexpress 71.62 PLN 49% OFF | New DC-AC / DC Inverter 12V to 220V Boost Step Up Power Supply Module 40W Dual Channel Inverse Converter Board Single Template
    https://a.aliexpress.com/_d7mbhIM at -49% + shipping PLN 17.69. It's about PLN 90 and about a month of waiting. Quite a lot went up. I assume that this thing is as simple as: https://youtu.be/bzcR9nLMzTY or https://youtu.be/yF_Blwo_mh0 or other very similar solutions on D13007, D13009K very fast bipolar NPN 8A and 12A transistors, about 400V and 700V or also mosfets IRF540, IRFZ44N, IRFP240, IRFP250. I guess that's how excitement-push-pull works. In the original one from China, it is probably a 250V varistor.
  • #12
    zgierzman
    Level 31  
    The price has not changed, you chose the most expensive offer you could find. You can still buy this miracle for $ 1.6 (or about PLN 7) with free shipping ...

    Converter module 12VDC to 230V, test, opinion
  • #13
    Malas1984
    Level 29  
    Hello. Well, the fact that I clicked on the link from the post earlier and it popped up. If you say so, it is possible it is. Send the link please - just out of curiosity. I wonder what transistors are there / BUT, BUX, BUZ, MJE, IRF, IRFZ, IRFP, 2SD, 2SC? Varistor 250V, capacitor, transformer and 3 diodes (?) FR 1A, 2k? resistors, choke.
  • #14
    zgierzman
    Level 31  
    Malas1984 wrote:
    If you say so, it is possible it is. Send the link please - just out of curiosity


    Have you seen the printscreen I pasted?
    But please, I googled it for you .