[How to do instruction] Raspberry Pi power Supply

[Listener]

Any idea how much maximum peak current an Allo Boss DAC draws? I see discussion about the current needed by the pi (4A or more, I guess) but not about the DAC. If it uses less than 1A max, how about an LT1115 based supply using a 6.3VAC 2A transformer to make about 8VDC raw supply, then regulate that down to 5V? 3V dropped by the regulator delivering 1A current means 3W heat dissipated, so a reasonably heatsink should work well enough.

Four amps seems like a good guess at peak current from my observations. I am currently using five amp power supplies from Jameco that seem to be doing fine.

One issue I don't see talked about much is heat. Three or four amps creates a lot of heat to dissipate. I believe that Pi's designers understood that and have installed on-board cpu throttling that cuts in when cpu temps get too high. So good quality heat syncs glued to the cpu seem like an essential. There are a variety of thermal adhesives available for this purpose. And for those that like to play, maybe even a tiny fan.

Best,

     John