The DC-DC Converter

	The dc-dc converter is a device that accepts an input voltage and generates a different output voltage.  The one I used is from Texas Instruments, model PT5041, and it is an engineering marvel!  It can accept an input voltage of anywhere from 5 to 11 volts, and generate a rock solid output voltage of 12 volts.  This was a critical part of my aerial system, as it gave me a lot of flexibility for powering my transmitter.
DC-DC Converter considerations and options