6V to 12V Converter

This inverter circuit can provide up to 800mA of 12V power from a 6V supply. For example, you could run 12V car accessories in a 6V (British?) car. The circuit is simple, about 75% efficient and quite useful. By changing just a few components, you can also modify it for different voltages.

Schematic

Parts

Part Total Qty. Description Substitutions R1, R4 2 2.2K 1/4W Resistor R2, R3 2 4.7K 1/4W Resistor R5 1 1K 1/4W Resistor R6 1 1.5K 1/4W Resistor R7 1 33K 1/4W Resistor R8 1 10K 1/4W Resistor C1,C2 2 0.1uF Ceramic Disc Capacitor C3 1 470uF 25V Electrolytic Capcitor D1 1 1N914 Diode D2 1 1N4004 Diode D3 1 12V 400mW Zener Diode Q1, Q2, Q4 3 BC547 NPN Transistor Q3 1 BD679 NPN Transistor L1 1 See Notes MISC 1 Heatsink For Q3, Binding Posts (For Input/Output), Wire, Board

Notes

1. L1 is a custom inductor wound with about 80 turns of 0.5mm magnet wire around a toroidal core with a 40mm outside diameter.
2. Different values of D3 can be used to get different output voltages from about 0.6V to around 30V. Note that at higher voltages the circuit might not perform as well and may not produce as much current. You may also need to use a larger C3 for higher voltages and/or higher currents.
3. You can use a larger value for C3 to provide better filtering.
4. The circuit will require about 2A from the 6V supply to provide the full 800mA at 12V.