F16v3 & Differential Cntrl Pwr Question

[jeff.ott]

Well, I've had my setup now for 5 seasons and it is time to make some big changes. My F16v3 controller with two differential controllers has 2x12v and 1x5v power supplies as I run both 5v and 12v pixels from this box. I/m replacing my 24x30 5v matrix with a new prop that has 12v pixels and I need to replace the 5v PS with another 12v PS. Thus I no longer have a 5v PS to run the F16 and the differential controllers. 

Question, should I buy a small 2-5 amp PS for the boards or buy a 12v to 5v transformer and run off one of the three 12v PS? 

I was originally advised to not run the board from the 12v input but from the ext pwr port.

[JonD]

Question, should I buy a small 2-5 amp PS for the boards or buy a 12v to 5v transformer and run off one of the three 12v PS?

The Falcon V3 will typically power from 5 or 12v supplies.  I have a dozen V3 series controllers with various expansion boards and all them are powered by 12v power supplies.  Is there a reason you need to power them with 5v?

EDIT:  I have seen others recommend that the F48 be powered by 5v instead of 12v, to help it from overheating, but do not recall seeing anyone recommend that for a F16v3.  I would probably buy a 12v to 5v buck converter if I needed to convert it down.  A buck converter is pretty small and will fit in the controller case better.

[jeff.ott]

When I was building my controller in 2018, David recommended to run it off of the external power source. I think I'll go with the buck converter.