Ya i have it plugged into the wall with an outlet/usb adapter. I figured it would be fine since I was going down in voltage, which is why I was worried when the resistor started to get hot to the touch. I just wanted to make sure it wasn't going to catch something on fire.
Hrmm there is a possibility since your using it for a lamp you might blow the resistor but the heating is usual
One thing I didn't understand is are you using normal 3x A's or 2x A's?
Or is yours a li-ion set up.. cause from what I understand so far is you totally by passed the battery packs connection and went straight in the the USB specified Voltage used for charging to connect to the + and - male/female connector of the board so it might cause a bit of stress On your resistor...
now are you using a buckpuck to regulate with your resistor? Or did you bypass that as well?