7805's. Is there a difference between them?

Kurt_ · Post by **Kurt_** » Mon Aug 14, 2006 2:15 pm

Ok, let's assume I use the 7805 from my mini snes on my ps1 screen. I chop off the ground lead, and about half of the top part with the screw, like the regulator on the ps1 screen has.

Would it get significantly hotter or anything, or would it work exactly like the other regulator did?

Kurt_ · Post by **Kurt_** » Tue Aug 15, 2006 7:05 pm

Anyone? I can see all you online. Someone at least give an opinion or something please!

Post by **bicostp** » Tue Aug 15, 2006 7:09 pm

I'm pretty sure it will work. (The metal part on top with the screw on it can act as ground if I remember correctly.)

Just make sure you add a heatsink of some sort to it to make up for the missing material.

Kurt_ · Post by **Kurt_** » Tue Aug 15, 2006 7:10 pm

But that's kind of what I'm wondering. Why doesn't the PSOne 7805 need a heatsink?

codeman · Post by **codeman** » Wed Aug 16, 2006 1:23 pm

because it's a surface mount part...they put a pad of copper underneath the solder mask connected to the ground terminal to dissipate the heat into the board itself. The ones on the screen are also probably not sourcing much current, so they wont make a lot of heat in the first place

Kurt_ · Post by **Kurt_** » Wed Aug 16, 2006 1:59 pm

So...could I use any old 7805 for the board then?

codeman · Post by **codeman** » Wed Aug 16, 2006 2:20 pm

If you can make it fit and you're sure the tab is the ground terminal then yes, go for it

ArtemisGoldfish · Post by **ArtemisGoldfish** » Mon Aug 21, 2006 1:36 am

Kurt_ wrote:But that's kind of what I'm wondering. Why doesn't the PSOne 7805 need a heatsink?

If a regulator takes in less voltage and/or current, it releases less heat. It wouldn't need a heatsink if it was only converting 7 or 8 volts, I would think.