Help choosing resistors for LM317

[cudaboy_71]

Hey all,

I'm a complete electronics greenhorn. So, be easy.

I googled this post, which is similar to what i'm attempting...but not exactly.

click here

my task is similar. I have a hobby-grade regulator pumping out 6vdc. But, for one of the components attached i need a regulated 3.3vdc. I considered just putting 4 diodes in series to drop the voltage. but, due to the loads on the regulator, i'm getting a voltage drop of as much as .4v per diode which is not an acceptable delta for the 3.3v device.

so, now i'm looking at wiring up an LM317 as a secondary regulator for the 3.3vdc device.

i've looked at the schematic of the regulator. but, i don't know how to read it. it may as well be sheet music or klingon.

#1 can someone recommend the right resistors i'd need to step down 6.02vdc (regulated) to 3.3vdc.

#2 would you mind explaining in English what gets soldered to what...or giving an explanation of how to read the schematic.

many, many thanks in advance.

 

[MikeMl]

What is being powered by the 3.3V? IOW, how much current does the regulator have to pass?

 

[audioguru]

The datasheet for the LM317 explains how and shows how to do it. Most examples show the more expensive LM117 that uses a 240 ohm resistor but the LM317 needs a 120 ohm reasistor and a new calculation for the potentiometer's resistance.