Powering XBee Adapter (12V source)

[marcsp]

The XBee Adapter has a nice 3.3v regulator on board and an input for 5V from say an Arduino...

I would like to drive a remote XBee S2 via a 12VDC GEL (up to 13.8 or so at float) battery and solar charge controller. The XBee will be sending digital state info. Minimizing power consumption is critical (planning to implement sleep option as well).

Is another regulator needed in between? If so is there a better option than a 7805?

Thanks!

[adafruit_support_bill]

Yes, you will want to drop that down a bit. A 7805 will work, but these are much more efficient: http://www.adafruit.com/products/1065

Actually, for best efficiency, you could bypass the 3.3v too and just use the 3.3v version.
http://www.adafruit.com/products/1066

[marcsp]

Perfect - thank you for the recommendation!