Voltage regulator issue
 

I'm trying to build one of Rod Elliott's P05 preamp power supplies and have hit a bit of a snag. Using 7815 (+15v) and 7915 (-15v) gives me +14.5v and -17.4v. The first is within tolerance but the second isn't. I've swapped out 7915s and get the same thing. Set up a third 7915 with the test circuit shown in its spec sheet and, again, get the same.

1. Why does my 7915 give ~17.4V instead of 15V?

2. Does it matter for an opamp based pre-amp? Elliott's P88.

Are you measuring the outputs with any load? Try a 1K resistor from the -v output to ground and see if it's in spec then

Do have any load on -15 volt regulator?

Connect an led (with correct polarity) in series with 2k7 resistor and connect between +15v and -15V.

Then measure the -15v supply voltage.

Art

Also watch the pinout. 78xx's are, looking at the front of the chip and reading left to right - Input, Ground, Output. The 79xx series are - Ground, Input, Output.

Awesome. Hooked up 1k resistor and measured 14.99 across the leads. Thanks guys.