Just a simple question, can i power the Arduino with a 9.6 volts battery?
Will the .6 volt fry the Arduino ?
9.6 v shouldn’t be a problem
The issue is going too high for the 5 volt regulatopr to shunt off extra voltage. THe Arduino has an AVR that isn’t pulling much in the way of current, so not much of the 4.6 volt drop times the current is being sent off the reg as heat. If you had a 12 volt source and other devices (sensors) benig powered off the reg 5 volt, then if might be a prob, but not as you’ve described.
Uhm the Diecimila can be fed
Uhm the Diecimila can be fed with up to 12 V on the recommended range, so no problem with 9.6 V. I’m feeding it with 12V.
From the site:
| Input Voltage (recommended) | 7-12 V |
| Input Voltage (limits) | 6-20 V |
Indeed, I just ordered one
Indeed, I just ordered one and pretty much read the specs up and down 
You don’t need any kind of heat sink or fan for the 12v do you? I’m still waiting for mine in the mail but so anxious