IR CCTV cameras

[Chris]

I need to run a CCTV camera fitted with IR LED's from my solar system. The camera runs on 12vdc plus or minus 10% but my system may reach 14.8 volts when charging on a sunny day. Any ideas on regulating the voltage to within the 10% ?

[justDIY]

is the 14.8v measured during a bulk charge of the batteries?  If that is your float voltage, it is too high, usually they recommend 13.5-13.82 for a float voltage

anyway, a simple buck converter (switch mode power supply) will nock that 14.8 down to a smooth 12.0 v no problem.

do you want to build one or buy one?  how much current does the camera actually need (not the rating on its transformer)?

You'd be hard pressed to build a 10 watt switcher for the price they're selling this one at:
http://www.dimensionengineering.com/DE-SWADJ.htm

Problem being, the dropout voltage is kinda high ... 1.3v means if your batteries sag below 13.3v, it stops working correctly.

A SEPIC converter or "buck boost" would work as well.