I have a bunch of items that run on 5V. It's not just for Christmas but also Halloween, Easter, etc. These "props" are usually strings of items like ghosts1.png in the attachment. Typically, they run of 3 AA batteries (3.6-4.5V). I don't like batteries as I have a bunch of such "props" and so I constantly have to replace and charge batteries. I started modifying those battery boxes so I can feed in 5V from an automotive connector. See connector1.jpg.
The question is how do I best provide the 5V to those automotive connectors. I could use a modified USB charger for each prop but then I end up with a power strip so I can plug in each USB charger. That might also short out when it's raining. Currently, I am leaning toward building a small box that can feed maybe 6 props. The box would just have a small switching PSU that can maybe provide 5A (more than enough for such small things) and 5 cables with automotive connectors. Hence, I can hook up 5 such props from one location. I would want to keep those boxes really small and inexpensive as the were to be placed in quite a few locations.
The question is how do I best provide the 5V to those automotive connectors. I could use a modified USB charger for each prop but then I end up with a power strip so I can plug in each USB charger. That might also short out when it's raining. Currently, I am leaning toward building a small box that can feed maybe 6 props. The box would just have a small switching PSU that can maybe provide 5A (more than enough for such small things) and 5 cables with automotive connectors. Hence, I can hook up 5 such props from one location. I would want to keep those boxes really small and inexpensive as the were to be placed in quite a few locations.
