[sdiy] using +/-15V supply with +/-12V gear

[jh.]

> i've just taken delivery of an analogue systems joystick; its +/-12v.
> my only
> power supply is a blacet which is +/-15V. should i not hook them up?
> i'm able to successfully drop the +15 down to +12 with a voltage
> regulator
> chip if i need to, but the negative voltage is another story.  thanks
> for the help.

There are negative regulators as well. Cheapest way to do it is using
a 78L12 and 79L12 pair. (Don't forget the capacitors and backward
diodes - get a data sheet from www.national.com)

Better way to do it (this is overkill for a joystick, but if you want to
integrate more 12V circuits some day): RC4194 tracking regulator.

JH.