Paul B. Webster VK2BZC wrote:
>
> Jason Harper wrote:
>
> > the LM317, and all other similar regulators I've found that support
> > this use as a current regulator, require about 5-10 mA of current flow
> > to maintain regulation.
>
>   Whoops!  Just came across that specification.  3.5mA typical, 5mA
> guaranteed for the LM317.
> --
>   Cheers,
>         Paul B.

NOT a problem for use in a car tail light LED setup where you want 20mA,
that TO220 package size would be though <G>  LM317LZ is in TO92, but you
need that plus 2 resistors plus a Transzorb to protect it all plus maybe
a choke, that's getting a little large for a #194 bulb <G>  Would fit
the 1156 and barely the 1157's, I guess.  (Have to use 2 setups in
parallel for the 1157, each with it's own LED's, I guess?)  Maybe just
go to a 12C509A circuit anyways & PWM the LEDs, to get enough
brightness...

Never a simple solution <G>

  Mark

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