I've got an electronic device which operates, at least it used to operate,
using a car battery as a power source. Over time it has begun to complain
about low battery voltage which causes the unit to shut down. The battery
voltage is fine... when I hook it up to the battery in my car and leave the
car running (~14.4VDC while charging) the device will run indefinitely.
So... it would appear that whatever is sensing the input voltage is sensing
the voltage incorrectly.

So... my options are to open up this device (it's a sealed, ruggedized,
evacuated of air, computerized survey total station so this would be my 2nd
choice) to have a look at the (no doubt) SMT microcircuitry within, or to
find a device which will give me a regulated, say, 13.8VDC from my 12V wet
cell.

Can anyone point me at a retailer who sells 12V-12V converters with
regulated boosted voltage? I've only found one at
http://www.electroparts.com.au/volatge_boosters.htm but a) they are in
Australia and I am in Canada and b) these units are 8A and up whereas I only
require maybe 1A max. Otherwise the description of this device is EXACTLY
what I want.

Somebody must make these things, maybe for RV's or sailboats or so
solar-powered survivalists can write their manifestos on laptop computers...

Any help greatly appreciated.

Sorry about cross-posting to the repair group but there's no
sci.electronics.workaround group.

Dave