last night i built a better switch mode supply with an lm2576 ic (adjustable version). i can tweak a trim pot to get anywhere between 2.5 - 6 volts, it can push 3 amps, and it doesnt even get hot (unlike the one i built out of crap a few weeks ago). its only 6 parts, so i might solder it all to some strip board and make it permanent. couple issues though, not sure what the value of the inductor im using is. none of the ones i have are marked, and my diode is not reated for 3 amps, nor is it a schottky diode with a low voltage drop, instead im using some high voltage rectifier diode which is killing my efficiency. the only schottky diodes i have are only rated to 1 amp, but i might be able to use a couple in parallel. they dont seem to get hot at all with a 1a dummy load.
Thanks The_E. And oh boy let's go to other places mkay folks?
you people make whiyl boring.