No Christophe… The problem WAS the dead short on the MODE pin.
A linear regulator only needs the voltage drop of the final stage 0.6v really, the higher the voltage the more inefficient it becomes, as I’m only running the Panda and SD card.
The Cobra has also these reg’s and the spec on that is 6v min.
I thought you’d be in Germany, Embedded world show is nearer for you than me?
Cheers Ian
I though the same, too 
I had 2 free days from work only to go personnaly to Germany and finally shake Gus’ hand(s) (and also the fabulous small (?) hands of Theresa, too) ! I have many reasons to do so.
But my company did decide something else for me, instead : internal relocations that required my presence to connect and configure computers/phones/printers :wall:
Disappointed is not enough to describe my mood, right now :snooty:
Slightly too far for me… I love to go but I’m far too busy.
There will be another chance…
Incidentally! The NEW PandaII shows 6-9v input
Cheers Ian