DC Buck Converter Help

[toalston]

I'm DIY'ing a controller w/ ESP32-Zero. I'm comfortable w/ soldering, but newer to electronics. From my understanding, I need to convert power from 9v to 5v so I got this buck converter. I'm confused what steps to take to make sure I get a 5v output.

When using my multimeter to measure to confirm 5V output, the reading is not anywhere close where I'd expect. Anyone have any guidance? Or suggestions? I feel like I'm doing something wrong.

Any help apprecitated!

[Builty]

Hi. The wiring above is correct. You would put the multimeter red lead to the OUT+ and black lead to OUT-.
Set Multimeter to measure DC voltage.
It should show close to 5.0 volts.

Some boards have adjustment for the voltage. The one you show above has 12v, 9v, 5v, 3.3v, 2.5v, and 1.8v options. This would involved probably cutting the thin tracks and soldering to close the one you need. Check what is is set to now. It may not be set to 5v.

[Builty]

Also make sure to take care about the polarity (negative to negative, and positive to positive.)
If you have negative to positive then it won't work and may blow up.

Some DC plugpacks use the centre pin as positive, and many guitar units use centre as negative. The multimeter can show you this also.
If it shows "-9v" or just "9v" without the negative.

[toalston]

Well, I realized my mistake. I wired center positive vs. negative. 🤦🏻‍♂️. My brain was stuck in instrument mode and I'd wired "tip" to positive. All is in working fashion now!