i found this voltage regulator http://www.thesourcecc.com/estore/Product.aspx?language=en-CA&catalog=Online&category=Misc_Parts&product=2761770 at the source by circuit city, and it says that its output is 5V DC. does the imput matter? could i use a 9V battery or a 12V AC-DC adapter or anything with this and 5V comes out? also, doesnt it need a heatsink on the other side? ive seen them with heatsiinks screwed to them. so, can someone tell me what id need to make one of these work for me? thanks!
Input can be anything from about 7V to 35V; whether or not you need a heatsink (and if so, how big) depends on how many volts difference between input & output and the current flowing. With 12V in, 5V out, at the maximum 1A, it's wasting 7W as heat, and will definitely need a decent heatsink, around 10°C/W. Driving a light load from a 9V PP3 you'd usually get away without one, the bare package will waste up to around 1W without overheating. Can$3.49 seems hellish expensive for that part, US$0.25 at Futurlec.
Yeah Matt never buy passive electronics from the Source (formerly Radio Shack). You're best to find a local electronics store or order through a place like Allied if you are really in the outskirts.
i only go there if i really need to, and also so i can see the part before i buy it elsewhere so i can get a feel for what im getting, make sure it fits/works etc. i also have a gift card for there i need to use up.
May I suggest ordering from Randy at glitchbuster.com? 7805 5V Regulator 1.0A TO-220 $0.34 And he only charges a flat $1.85 for 'state-side' customers... Regards, Mike
