wrote in message
oups.com...
This is probably a stupid idea for some reason that's beyond me right
now, but how about losing the extra volts with a series of diode drops?
Provided the diodes were high forward current types with adequate heat
sinking. I know it wouldn't be as stable as a proper design, but would
it work well enough to run a mobile 100W rig?

I think you'll end up with lousy regulation and
a ripple problem.