err.. how do I use this thing... according to the data sheet, I need to hook up a .1uf cap between pins 3 and 2, and a .33uf cap between 1 and 2... or can i just run 120v into pin 1, pin 2 to ground, and then pin 3 = +5v??
no no no. im assuing you meant the 5v regualtor IC. its about 7 - 12v it can regualt (dont know the exact numbers) so feeding 120V will be baaaaad move. but yes the wireing is how you said. the capacitors are there to help smooth out ripples in the power output.
then how do I get it down from 120v... voltage devider?? and can I feed ac in, or do I need to rectify it, and if so full-wave or half wave rect?
The input to your regulator needs to be low voltage DC. You'll need to use a transformer with full wave rectification as your input to the 7805 regulator. Ideally the voltage after rectification should be in the region of 7 to 9V to keep power dissipation down, but voltages up to 30V are accepted providing you use sufficient cooling.
