[Elecraft] OT: Help designing power supply and toroid transformer

[K3yt at aol.com]

Hello Daniel,
 
As the Dons have spoken, let me add my $.02.
 
The 1991 Handbook has a project in it for a 5 amp
supply with variable voltage from 1.2 to 15 volts.  It has
a drawing (layout) for a board with the regulator on it.
 
It is a good article because it uses almost all Radio Shack parts.
It uses 2 transformers to get the 5 amps.  One would be fine for  you.
It uses the LM371K in a metal case for regulation.  Since it is a  5 amp 
circuit
the design uses a pass transistor.  You could eliminate a lot of the  
circuitry
and just use it direct from the regulator since you only want 1.5  amps.
 
If you can't find another ham in your area that has the 1991 ARRL  handbook
I would say try a library. It is in Chapter 27 "Power Supply  Projects".  
 
The circuit board for the regulator circuit is very simple and easy to 
make. I made one 14 years ago and it is still working. 
 
BTW, your Dad's wall wart is probably a switcher and the source of the  noise.
 
73 de Bob K3YT