9.6 volt dc @1-2amp adapter for 12volt auto application

[spindown]

Can someone provide a circuit or source of a circuit that I can plug into my automobile 12 volt negative ground cigarette lighter receptacle to obtain 9.6 volt dc @ 1-2 amps. Also what size of heat sink will I need? Thanks Paul

[k7elp60]

You could use a LM338, and a heatsink to dissipate about 6W.

[dacflyer]

this link should help you out with what you need...
http://www.national.com/ds/LM/LM138.pdf

[haklesup]

Don't be surprised if you find that the 9.6V device could be powered by 12V directly, particularly if it is a battery charger or a variable speed power tool.

I found that a 12V GPS device runs just fine with a 9.6V wall wart, it just needed more than 1A. (all my 12V wall warts were less than 800mA and it wouldn't power up). Admittedly experimenting with too low voltage is safer than too high, so use good judgment before experimenting with extending the rated voltage range.

If you don't want to build one, many portable power supplies for PCs will get you in the range you want