first off, thanks to everyone in the Bitx community for their advice and input on improving the design and functioning of the Bitx40.
Has anyone looked into replacing the 7805 with a Murata linear supply like this one: ? I've used this in a few other applications and it runs very cool, even with 15+VDC input. It's a pin-for-pin replacement to the 7805 except the pins are in the reverse order.
The case I have places the VR and heat sink very close to the metal side and I thought that if it gets hot or bumped the heat sink will short to the case, something Ashar says is a no-no! Replacing the VR with the linear unit should cut down on the heat generated, plus a plastic film on the case by the heat sink will prevent the short, without worrying about the heat dislodging the plastic film.
Thanks.
Geoff Lowe