You can always try to add a few resistors (to distribute the heat) in series with the 7805. Place them around the board so the heat is distributed. They should be sized such that the 7805 (or 340) sees 7V input at maximum load (see data sheet for minimum input voltage). hope this helps, Peter -- http://www.piclist.com hint: The PICList is archived three different ways. See http://www.piclist.com/#archives for details.