Powering a LevelMate Pro from a 12V RV battery system.

[@matttcox71Tube]

You always make things look so easy but I wish you would offer these for sale!

[@teejay622]

Agreed!

[@Overdose140]

Or you could just take apart a simple cheap cigarette to usb lighter adapter and add wires to the 12v input side and 5V output side and wire it up the same way he did the one in the video. No need to make your own 12VDC to 5 VDC converter when you can grab one for a few bucks or free if you already have an extra on hand. FYI

[@RVProject]

Except... the output of the power supply is 3V, and 5V could damage some of the components. At the very least, 5V would most likely change the data levels, and if not damage, it would most likely not work properly. 5V vs 3V may not seem like much, but 5V is a 40% difference, and that is significant. I bet that the more expensive USB version has a 3V regulator in it.

[@TWiumph]

Don't publish where and when you're camping. Twenty of us will show up asking for your help! Well done, sir.

[@RVProject]

lol

[@EvenaGirlCanDoIt]

I have one of the 1st LMPro’s with no off and on switch. It stays on the entire time it senses motion so it kills my battery in a few days. Can you make me something that I can install on it that I can plug into a 12v socket? I already have a 12v socket right beside where it’s mounted. I’ll be happy to pay you.

[@jtatum65]

As always another great project video. I have the competitor Rhino RV leveler, this unit takes 2 3v lithium batteries, so what would be needed to do the same for this unit?

[@RVProject]

Since I don't have that device, I cannot test it for you, so take my advice with that in mind. You are going to have to test it yourself and determine if it will work with your device. The LM87XX series voltage regulator integrated circuit used in this project is available in many voltages. The one used in the video is a LM7833, which means 3.3V. Other voltage regulators in the series are LM7805 (5V) LM7806 (6V), LM7809 (9V), and LM7812 (12V). Simply pick the one having the output voltage you need, as they are pin-for-pin compatible and can be directly replaced on the board. There is also a similar regulator series LM79XX, but do not use those. They are negative voltage regulators and are designed to be complementary to the LM78XX series. So just make sure you use the LM78XX series.

[@jtatum65]

@@RVProject Yes i understand, just curious what would be a good regulator for a 6v setup. Thanks for the info.

[@Dave-hy7zi]

I plan on putting in a spst switch in 12v power line as I want to put levelmate where it in a hidden location. Will your board tolerate surges from switching on and off?

[@RVProject]

The circuit board has Transient Voltage Suppression (TVS) diodes on both the input and output. That should prevent any spikes from switching the 12V from affecting the board. However, due to reader requests, I will be coming out with version 2 of this board soon, so you might want to wait for the upgrade project, which should be available this fall. Version 2 will add a time delay circuit so anytime it receives a trigger, it will turn on the leveler for 1-8 hours (which will be selectable). The trigger can then be almost any 12V source. For example, you could tap into the tail lights or backup lights of the trailer. So say if you wire into the backup lights, simply putting the vehicle in reverse will turn the leveler on for one hour. You could also use an inexpensive 433MHZ wireless transmitter/receiver for the trigger. Pretty neat, eh?

[@Dave-hy7zi]

@@RVProject I like the "only on when I switch it on" by using a manual switch. Not how the onboard timer will work though.

[@dsatwork]

Didn't see a list of parts...a bunch of click bait links that aren't relevant.

[@terryhaynes1596]

This is a super idea. I’ll be looking at your site for the parts list. Hopefully it includes a location for the circuit board.

[@RVProject]

The circuit board is available from OSHpark.com. But after discussion with another viewer, I will be making a Version 2 that includes a reset timer to wake the unit up periodically.

[@kenmatthews6476]

Not a big deal since mine “sleeps” after a few minutes so battery last.

[@RVProject]

After discussing with another viewer, I will do a "Version 2" that will automatically wake up the unit periodically.

[@BigRonRN18]

@@RVProject This would be KEY for me. My two biggest gripes about my LevelMatePRO is A) it uses a small coin-cell only and B) it goes to sleep. When I arrive to where I plan on parking my trailer, I hate that I have to get out of my truck, go inside the trailer, turn the switch off and then turn it back on. Then I have to go back and get in the truck. I use my cellphone, in the cab of my truck to help with leveling. I can then, if needed place my Anderson-type levelers (swoop-style drive-on) and then slowly move the trailer until I'm level left-to-right. I would much rather stay in the cab of my truck as I'm about to start. Granted, when I pull out the levelers, I'll have to get out, but there is no need to go into the trailer if it never goes to sleep.