- Joined
- May 20, 2017
- Messages
- 162
I don't see a conflict with what Mark has to say. The LM 340 generates heat requiring dissipation via a heat sink anyway -- at 9V, at 12 V, at 18V. Even the newer switch mode power supplies generate waste heat requiring dissipation via some means. However, the newer regulators are more efficient and therefore generate less waste per watt than the older linear regulators. But the main thing to take away is that, based on my tests and the product data sheet, that the quiescent current demand, as well as the regulator's temperature, is the same whether it is energized by 9V or 12V. In other words, 12V does not place any additional stresses on the regulator, or such stresses are well within the product's design as detailed in the product data sheet (attached for your ref). Therefore if you have a 12V dc supply on hand, you can connect it to the MachTach without need to reduce the voltage.