ORIGINAL: combatpigg
Now don't these gizmos need to be bolted to some metal to achieve their rated capacity?
Yup that's right. But we only need a fraction of their rated capacity, and the loads are sporadic. A 1/2A model likely goes through maybe 200-250mAh per hour or so (i.e. average load 200-250mA), so the regulator is required to deliver about 1/4 of its capacity. I think the 7805 for example is likely fine as is with the external caps and connectors (Andrew whatchoo think?). Besides, a bit of heat dissipation could be added for a gram or so I am sure if needed. A 1" x 1" coupon of thin aluminum to which this is attached would provide a reasonable amount of heat dissipation for light loads.
MJD