Can the FLORA v3 be powered via automotive 12V?

[nuccun]

(I originally posted this to /r/adafruit, but thought I would have a better chance of getting a response here)

I'm wanting to use a FLORA v3 and a 24 neopixel ring for a custom lighting project on my truck. My first thought was I would just use the 12VDC supplied by the truck battery after reading on the product page it would work with 3.5V - 16V.

https://www.adafruit.com/product/659
There is an onboard polarized 2 JST battery connector with protection schottky diode for use with external battery packs from 3.5v to 16v DC in.

However, when I started reading on the Getting Started page for FLORA, it states 3.5V - 9V.

https://learn.adafruit.com/getting-started-with-flora
There is an onboard polarized 2 JST battery connector with protection schottky diode for use with external battery packs from 3.5v to 9v DC in (It can run on 3V but 3.5V-5V or higher is ideal).

I just noticed it looks like the schematic shows 9V as well: https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/a ... 1476288747

I'm assuming the Getting Started page/schematic just hasn't been updated for the v3 of the FLORA, but wanted to be sure before I get into breadboarding this guy.

[adafruit_support_bill]

In general, you want to power the Flora (and other microcontroller boards) with the lowest voltage possible - especially if you are going to be driving high-current things like Neopixels from it.

The voltage regulator on the Flora is a linear regulator. These regulate voltage by burning off the excess as heat. So, while it might barely tolerate 12v with no load, it will run hot. And as soon as you start adding circuity, it will overheat.

'Buck' regulators are bulkier, but a lot more efficient than linear type regulators. For your application, I'd use a buck converter to regulate the 12v down to 5v and run your Flora and pixels from that: https://www.adafruit.com/product/1385