# EX Controller - Free 5V DC Power Source **URL:** \ **Category:** General Chat\ **Tags:** lasers\ **Created:** [October 1, 2025, 11:16pm UTC](https://forum.avidcnc.com/t/ex-controller-free-5v-dc-power-source/5315 "2025-10-01T23:16:42Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 11\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![BlueLineCNC](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.avidcnc.com/bluelinecnc/32/4722_2.png) [@BlueLineCNC](https://forum.avidcnc.com/u/BlueLineCNC)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2025, 11:16pm UTC](https://forum.avidcnc.com/t/ex-controller-free-5v-dc-power-source/5315/1 "2025-10-01T23:16:42Z")
Hey Guys, So I got this LED crosshair I want to wire into my EX controller so they turn on automatically whenever I fire up the control box. I have a separate AA Battery power supply I can wire up for the power source but then I have to find a place to mount it and remember to turn that switch off all the time. Not my preference. I think a run through the cable tracks would be much cleaner. The LED operates at 3-6V DC. Just wondering if any of you gurus (Eric if you see this) can tell me if there are any free 5V output sources and where they are in the EX box. Mine should arrive in the next few weeks or so. I’m experienced with electronics but don’t want to go where I shouldn’t! TIA Russ ---
**Author:** ![Eric](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.avidcnc.com/eric/32/3220_2.png) [@Eric](https://forum.avidcnc.com/u/Eric)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2025, 11:36pm UTC](https://forum.avidcnc.com/t/ex-controller-free-5v-dc-power-source/5315/2 "2025-10-01T23:36:32Z")
There are no 5 volt sources you can use. It’s all 24 volt. I just got a 5 volt laser with a switch and I run it that way ---
**Author:** ![djdelorie](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.avidcnc.com/djdelorie/32/515_2.png) [@djdelorie](https://forum.avidcnc.com/u/djdelorie)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2025, 12:12am UTC](https://forum.avidcnc.com/t/ex-controller-free-5v-dc-power-source/5315/3 "2025-10-02T00:12:38Z")
If you’re up to it, there are plenty of 24v to 5v buck regulators on Amazon… ---
**Author:** ![BlueLineCNC](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.avidcnc.com/bluelinecnc/32/4722_2.png) [@BlueLineCNC](https://forum.avidcnc.com/u/BlueLineCNC)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2025, 12:33am UTC](https://forum.avidcnc.com/t/ex-controller-free-5v-dc-power-source/5315/4 "2025-10-02T00:33:56Z")
Thanks Eric. In case I want to get a 24v laser can you tell me where those outputs are. I would think I just need the 24v DC and a ground. Russ ---
**Author:** ![BlueLineCNC](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.avidcnc.com/bluelinecnc/32/4722_2.png) [@BlueLineCNC](https://forum.avidcnc.com/u/BlueLineCNC)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2025, 12:36am UTC](https://forum.avidcnc.com/t/ex-controller-free-5v-dc-power-source/5315/5 "2025-10-02T00:36:24Z")
That’s a possibility but given the low cost of the laser crosshairs themselves I would likely go that route. Russ ---
**Author:** ![Eric](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.avidcnc.com/eric/32/3220_2.png) [@Eric](https://forum.avidcnc.com/u/Eric)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2025, 1:47am UTC](https://forum.avidcnc.com/t/ex-controller-free-5v-dc-power-source/5315/6 "2025-10-02T01:47:58Z")
> [@BlueLineCNC](#): > > Thanks Eric. In case I want to get a 24v laser can you tell me where those outputs are. I would think I just need the 24v DC and a ground. You can probably pick some voltage up on one of the din rails. I’d consult the technical manual (on our support site) for locations of 24v connections… (hint: It’s on every sensor M12 cable) ---
**Author:** ![SunCItyJim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/59ef9b/32.png) [@SunCItyJim](https://forum.avidcnc.com/u/SunCItyJim)\ **Post date:** [October 9, 2025, 8:10pm UTC](https://forum.avidcnc.com/t/ex-controller-free-5v-dc-power-source/5315/7 "2025-10-09T20:10:50Z")
There are several 5v and GND ports on the interconnect board as well as a 24v/5v power supply located under the acorn … pictures and schematics here - [System Overview - EX Controller Technical Manual](https://www.avidcnc.com/support/instructions/electronics/ex/manual/stepper/24.1/systemOverview/) ---
**Author:** ![Eric](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.avidcnc.com/eric/32/3220_2.png) [@Eric](https://forum.avidcnc.com/u/Eric)\ **Post date:** [October 9, 2025, 8:19pm UTC](https://forum.avidcnc.com/t/ex-controller-free-5v-dc-power-source/5315/8 "2025-10-09T20:19:51Z")
I think that 5V supply is really small, just be careful you don’t draw too much ---
**Author:** ![SunCItyJim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/59ef9b/32.png) [@SunCItyJim](https://forum.avidcnc.com/u/SunCItyJim)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2025, 3:28pm UTC](https://forum.avidcnc.com/t/ex-controller-free-5v-dc-power-source/5315/9 "2025-10-10T15:28:18Z")
An LED should be fine, but, as others have said a 24v to 5v buck convertor can move the load to the 24v side. ---
**Author:** ![BlueLineCNC](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.avidcnc.com/bluelinecnc/32/4722_2.png) [@BlueLineCNC](https://forum.avidcnc.com/u/BlueLineCNC)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2025, 11:06pm UTC](https://forum.avidcnc.com/t/ex-controller-free-5v-dc-power-source/5315/10 "2025-10-10T23:06:55Z")
I really appreciate all the input on this from everyone. Here’s the inexpensive buck converter I was looking at, based on the step-down voltage requirements of 24V output to the laser device which operates at 3-6V DC. Just making sure it will work before I hit the buy button. > **[Amazon.com: YABOANG 10-60V to 5V DC/DC Buck Converter, 12/24/36/48/60V 5V3A 15W...](https://www.amazon.com/YABOANG-Converter-Voltage-Transformer-Waterproof/dp/B0DQPG771W)** > > 10-60V to 5V 3A 15W DC Voltage Converter Product parametersInput range: 10-60VRated input voltage: 12V/24V/36V/48V/60Vtransfer efficiency: 95%input line: 15-16CM (R+ B-)output voltage: 5Voutput: 3A MAXMaximum output: 15W MAXNo-load adjustment rate:... Thanks again guys. Russ ---
**Author:** ![jjneeb](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.avidcnc.com/jjneeb/32/244_2.png) [@jjneeb](https://forum.avidcnc.com/u/jjneeb)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2025, 2:01am UTC](https://forum.avidcnc.com/t/ex-controller-free-5v-dc-power-source/5315/11 "2025-10-11T02:01:44Z")
> [@BlueLineCNC](#): > > Here’s the inexpensive buck converter I was looking at, should work.