Hey Lefty,
I purchased a 5V Linear Regulator IC from the local electronics store and some caps to match. This is the data sheet: http://www.farnell.com/datasheets/64363.pdf
I've hooked it up on the breadboard as it's shown in the data sheet but it's giving me 7.5V output. I am only supplying it was 12V. Apparently it has a maximum input of 26V? How is that possible given it's meant to have a maximum output of 5V? I tried a couple of minor variations on the hookup but same result.
I'm thinking this thing is cactus...what do you reckon?