DCFluX wrote: > How about a 7809 regulator IC with a 1N4004 diode in the ground leg to > raise the output voltage to 9.6V?
There is nothing mysterious about 9.6 volts. It could be 9.00 volts 10.00 volts 11.00 12.00 volts or *anything* in between. The part that is critical is that it is stiffly regulated. Something less than 10.6 volts was chosen because that is the point where a lead acid battery is technically totally depleted. This means the critical circuitry (oscillators, multipliers, etc.) are always fed with stable power to the point where the battery is dead. In a station, the 9.6 volt circuitry *could* be run from 12 volts, as long as its regulated. I'm not suggesting someone does that, because the circuits were optimized for 9.6 volts, but I'm trying to make a point. If it were me, I'd just use a 9 or 10 volt three terminal regulator (7809 or 7810) and skip the whole LM-317 or diodes in the ground leg deal. It only serves to make the circuitry more involved , harder to mount, and for NO advantage whatsoever. Kevin Custer
