Strange behaviour of MAX1044 as per Geofex.com

[Auke Haarsma]

It seems I have a talent for frying MAX1044 chips...

I use the schematic from geofex.com to get -9 from a +9v source (http://geofex.com/circuits/+9_to_-9.htm).

I think I fried the chips (I tested 3 of them). Voltage readings on the IC (breadboarded as well as socketed on a PCB):
1: 9v
2: 0.3v
3. 0v
4. 0.1v
5. 4.5/5.5/0.3 v (IC1/IC2/IC3)
6. 0v
7. 0v
8. 9V

I think all three IC's have been damaged by me, but could there be any other explanation for the voltage reading on pin 5?

[Auke Haarsma]

Just prevent any confusion. The frying is not due to the schematic or article, but to my skills. I've had it tested and it works as described by RG. I just want to know if the IC's are really dead.

[Auke Haarsma]

no ideas?

[soulsonic]

If it's wired up correctly, I don't see how that would be happening unless you damaged them. I have gotten low voltages like that before, but it was the circuit was wired incorrectly and along the voltage being low, the chip also got very hot. But.... that wasn't enough to kill the chip - once it was wired correctly, it worked fine despite having been abused in the mis-wired circuit. Make sure you have the polarity correct on the cap between pins 2 & 4, the positive side must go to pin 2.

[Auke Haarsma]

I'm pretty sure the circuit is wired up correclty. I tested it both in a selfmade PCB and on my breadboard. But I will double check when I get home. thanks!