As far as know it is same as input voltage, migth be 12-15VDC. I think 6,8V zener is for to reduce voltage to around 6V to protect the transistor base from over voltage. I use metal can 723, so it needs zener, where as other type has this zener built in.Hello,
So what is the output voltage of the 723 then?
A zener in series will prevent the cap from charging up too high, but i have a feeling a common emitter circuit would do better as then you could let the charge charge higher.