I want to buy this thermometer because it perfectly matches the interior lighting in my Xterra:


But i'd prefer it to be a simple plug and play (no voltage adapters necessary). The specs for the therm. say operating voltage is 5vdc, + or - 0.2vdc. But it was intended for computer cases and has a 12v molex connector for power supply. Will it kill the thermometer if I just wire it into the 12v electrical system in the Xterra?

 

I believe the 4-pin power supply connector provides both 12v and 5v pins,
and thus it's likely this uses the 5v since that's how it's spec'ed.
...important disclaimer: I'm not an EE.

 

Remember, a molex connector has a +12V and a +5V source. Most likely the thermometer uses the +5 source to power itself. What you can do is make urself a +5V regulator using a LM7805 which takes an unregulated 9-18V source and converts it to a +5V.

If you need help with it, u can PM me. But this is totally possible to put into ur xterra without probs.

 

a quick google of "LM7805" found this site:
http://www.iguanalabs.com/7805kit.htm
sure looks easy to me!

 

^^ haha yup, and i am an ee... i use the 7805 quite frequently for my microcontroller projects.

 

I just picked up a 5vdc cigarrette lighter adapter that I can dissect and hardwire so it's hidden. Thanks for the help!