This link (Arduino Playground - WhatAdapter) seems to suggest that the limit is 1A.
However, based on what people are saying, it seems like the power dissipation from 1A could be problematic, depending on the supplied voltage, which would probably end up being 6xNIMH AA (8x1.2V).
So P=VI=(9.6V-5)(1A)=4.6W
4.6W is definitely higher than the power dissipation diagram mentioned above (http://www.thebox.myzen.co.uk/Tutorial/Power_Examples.html) would seem to allow for (1.5W).
Is this really a problem? Will there really be a significant heat buildup around the voltage regulator if I have a drop of 4.6W and current of 1A?
This is of concern to me because a sensor I'm looking to use, that really long-range Sharp IR sensor, has peak current draw of 400ma with average draw of 30-50ma.
So, with all the other sensors I'm going to be using, periodically the current draw could get close to 800ma-1000ma, but would drop back down.
In this case, is overheating around the voltage regulator still enough of a concern as to warrant a heatsink?
How would I even apply a heatsink to the voltage regulator? Any suggestions as to how and which one?
Thanks,
eqfanatics