I tried adding an ordinary diode but as I expected it didn't work. The
local RadioShack doesn't have any Schottky diodes (since that isn't a
brand of cellphone ;) ) so I won't be able to get any for a while. For
now I've 'solved' the problem by adding a separate 9V battery to run
the electronic bits. Hopefully the diode will fix things and I'll be
able to ditch the extra weight.

Olin - thanks for the Eagle tip, I will try that next time.

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