Could use a Schotky diode, which has a lower voltage drop.  Also, you
can put a resistor or PTC thermistor in series with one lead of the
battery, then a diode ACROSS the PIC circuit.
        I just did a 3V PIC circuit that used a TI power amp chip as well.  I
used 3 AA cells with a series Schotky.  This drove the TI audio power amp
directly.  It also went thru a Maxim micropower LDO regulator to drive
the PIC (and ISD voice chip).

Harold


___________________________________________________________________
You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail.
Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com/getjuno.html
or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866]