Robert McAtee wrote:

> Gee that's a hard way to get a led to work off of 1.5 volts. I've got
> leds blinking for over a year using LM3909's a 100uf cap. amd a 1.5
> volt C cell.   Then again maybe you want a steady light???  ==Mac==

  Two things.  1) Yes, I think an apparently steady light was what was
desired.  You can do that with the 3909 by using a small cap, but then
it's rather dim.  Using shunt resistor(s) in its bias line will increase
the frequency also, and increase brightness, however 2) The 3909 is
actually not as efficient as the toroid circuit.  And it won't work to
as low a voltage.

  Another reference: Whether the inductor circuit operates in relaxation
or continuous mode depends on the turns ratio of the transformer.  As
well as other things.

  Cheers,
        Paul B.