> Bernd Grunwald wrote:
> >
> > Is there any efficient and not too expensive way to generate the ~5V for
> > the PIC and some other devices out of the 230V AC Voltage from the net?
 Using
>  a
> > 7805 and other linear regulators is IMHO much too inefficient ...

I know you can get some very nifty little ic's that do just that with
no transformer etc. I know Maplin used to stock something like
that...If you can wait till tomorrow, I'll see if I can get more
details for you.
Jacques Vrey
Iscor Profile Products Newcastle
Tel:27-(0)3431-48759
jvrey@it.new.iscorltd.co.za