LM317T Voltage regulator hookup question

[evotec1]

**broken link removed**

here is the information I am looking at, in his diagram, I understand what is going on, except for the part near the right side labeled "(-) return" .

Does this negative go to ground? it doesnt really say... and as for adding a capacitor, what IS transient response?

thanks in advance for adding your .02

 

[eng1]

here is the information I am looking at, in his diagram, I understand what is going on, except for the part near the right side labeled "(-) return" .

Does this negative go to ground?

Correct.

... and as for adding a capacitor, what IS transient response?

The output voltage of the LM317 is supposed to be constant and indipendent of the load current. However, if the current changes suddenly, the output voltage shows over(under)-shoots.
The datasheet shows that their amplitude is reduced by adding the output capacitor.

 

[Leftyretro]

**broken link removed**

here is the information I am looking at, in his diagram, I understand what is going on, except for the part near the right side labeled "(-) return" .

I you follow that (-) return line all the way to the left in your posted drawing you will see the 'ground' symbol, looks kind of like a upside down tree.

Now this 'ground' may not mean that it actual goes to earth ground somehow, but it could. What it really means is that the (-) side is hooked to the 'circuit common' and all other voltages are referenced to this common. When a voltage lead is labled say +12 in means a positive 12 volts referenced to circuit common. Again that common may or may not be to 'earth ground' potential, but that is another topic in it's self.
Clear?

Lefty

 

[evotec1]

i'll draw some pictures of how i have it hooked up, i have a few of em if i mess something up