While i've got your brain open for the picking Daniel, I've got another question back on the subject we started on.
So say i've got a 9v source running into the jack. Can I then safely tap the (i assume unregulated) 9v output on the arduino board to power motors and other high load devices? Or would i have to go even further up stream and tap it completely external to the ard. board itself?
from what i can see of the traces on the board the 9v port is essentially the same thing as connecting right to the jack.. with the exception of a capacitor or two.