New Type Phoenix Reader
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His problem is the input voltage is too high - the linear regulator IC has to dissipate the difference between input (13.8V) and output (5V) voltages. If he gets rid of the 13.8V power supply and uses a 9V DC plugpack (300mA, 500mA or 1A, with positive tip) it will run cool. Suitable plugpacks can be bought from Jaycar, Dick Smith, Altronics and most other electronics stores. For example for $25 will work nicely and be handy for other things too.
It doesn't need to be regulated, but make sure it's DC - not AC!
For use with interfaces I recommend people buy non-switchmode type plugpack if given a choice, rather than a switchmode one. Non-switchmode ones are usually heavier. The packets in the store will usually indicate which type they are; if not sure you can ask the man at the counter.
If you get a one then you should always unplug the power cord before connecting or disconnecting the RS232 data cable to your PC. That's why the board has warning message "IMPORTANT - Connect computer before Power." Failing to do so can cause your interface and/or PC serial port to be permanently damaged.
If you buy a non-switchmode plugpack then you don't need to take that precaution.
If you find it works fine at 6MHz but gives framing or other errors with 3.58MHz (assuming of course you're using software and card meant for 3.58MHz) then you should desolder the blue ceramic 3.58MHz resonator, put it in the bin and replace it with a (Dick Smith Z6031, $3.95, or Jaycar RQ5272, $4.95). Ceramic resonators are dirt cheap and fine for many gadgets but are too inaccurate for use in baud generators.
I've not seen that phoenix interface design before but I don't recommend people buy it. It doesn't use a MAX232, instead it uses simple resistor networks on RS232 inputs and TTL inverter outputs to drive the RS232 outputs. Although it should work with most modern computers provided the RS232 lead is short (only 1 or 1.5m), it's not standards compliant and may not be compatible with all PCs. Also it has no signal driving CD input which means some software expecting card detection may not work.
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