5V Ac to DC regulated powersupply

So I've been searching for ways to make my own power supply so i can stop using so many wall warts.  I use alot of DC, i'm tired of 5v 350ma small fries.  
I'm working on an ATX power supply but it lacks the compact portability I need in a simple power supply.

This cost about $5.50 with the step down transformer being the most expensive part.

Supplies:
Old power chord (free)
Step down transformer ($3.00)
Full Wave Bridge rectifier (50V 4A) ($1.50)
Glue
5V regulator (I used an L7805CV 1.5A max) ($1.00/3)
smoothing capacitor (I used 100 uF 35V (free))
wire (free)
And the essentials: soldering iron flux solder, electrical tape, heatshrink tube, pliers, lighter, ect.

Step 1: Setting up the Transformer

Connect the AC input of the transformer to the power chord (put heatshrink tube on first reinforces the tape)
Wrap it in electrical tape
Shrink the heat shrink tube
Plug it in and make sure it has some sort of output, actual voltage out doesn't matter.

Comments

[JJBuck10]

Where did you find the transformer? I can only find them for $15+

[mysterion]

eBay, the stuff from china I searched ac transformer 110 to 12

[MaheshPrazad]

i have a transformer of 14V secondary with 500mA current.Can i make the current 250mA somehow.The question is not exactly related to this but i wondered if could get some answer.
Thanks.

[mysterion]

From what I know of AC the current rated on your transformer should be the max it can supply. All the transformers I've used have just a wattage rating.
It will probably have to be in your circuit that limits the current.
Just a shot from everything I know of AC currents.

[MaheshPrazad]

some use decoupling capacitors as well in the circuit.What is the purpose of that/?

[mysterion]

That is used to filter out noise caused by other parts of the circuit.
When your load increased suddenly you will increase a draw on the current from the supply, that causes the voltage to change too. The capacitor just acts as a little storage so the voltage doesn't drop during increased loads.

[MaheshPrazad]

what if i want to make a 9 volt DCsupply

[mysterion]

Sorry for the long reply i've been moving,
Just replace L7805CV
with a LM7809CT, a 9V regulator

[MaheshPrazad]

thanks a lot.

[rimar2000]

Thanks for sharing, this is very useful.