hi Kai,
i have only ever used LM317 as a variable regulator in a DC supply but your circuit has enlightened me on other possibilities around this regulator. Thanks.

1. is the output current of this regulator dependent on the load when used as a regulator in a power supply or does it supply it's max current output if a current limit is not present? i have observed a 7805 supplying more current than the components it is powering required.

2. also, how do i make calclations on the machine cycles it takes a software to run and it's percentage productivity ?
i tried to butcouldn't come up with the figures Oleg wrote at
http://www.8052.com/forum/read.phtml?id=76194
and http://www.8052.com/forum/read.phtml?id=74953

Regards,
Ehigie.