Lm338

[steve-o]

For those of U that are LM317 fans i suggest you look a the LM338...its like a 317 on steroids(for those of us that prefer to build our own power supplies)

--steveo

[The_Doctor]

Got a couple from a long time back. LM338K Steel. Nice hardcore name too. BUT, They COST... Also, they might not be the easiest thing to mount in small spaces. It's just as easy, and cheaper, to gang three or four LM317's...

[steve-o]

Doc--
The ones I have are in the same TO-220 pkg as the 317. I believe that you are referring to a TO-3 case.
They cost 2.64 usd and (4) Lm317s cost 2.48 usd-- not too much of a difference. I just like the 5 amp
capability.
Steve

[The_Doctor]

You win. I had no idea they'd got that cheap or were in TO220. Awesome. I'll try to get some. eBay might do well, it does at times. IRF630 MOSFET's can be had there cheap right now, useful for shunt modulation of laser diodes. It is probably an ideal match for use with the LM338 as constant current regulator.

[steve-o]

Yeah, gotta love how those things work in the constant-current configuration. Stable and simple. Simple's how I like it. That's me:simple.