I'm using an oldy but goody in one of my current projects: National Semiconductor LM2623. Starts at 1.1V, runs from 0.8V through 14V, internal switch is good for better than 2A, tiny 4.7uH inductor. I'm powering it with 2x 1650 mAH NiMh prismatic cells (in series) with excellent results. I spent a lot of time trying to find something better but cheaper and gave up. At the time the project was started (couple of years ago), the MAX756 was hard to get hold of or I might have considered it. And: Yes - there are many relays available with 3 Vdc coils. Aromat (NAIS) JS1 and DS2E / DS4E come to mind but there are plenty others. dwayne PS - Posting your list of links with info regarding low voltage SMPS would be a great thing for you to do. I'd sure appreciate it. dwayne At 11:15 AM 5/8/2008, Neil Cherry wrote: >I've been poking around and I've found a few good links (I can share >if you ask) but I'm a bit overloaded with information and could use >a little help. > >What I'm looking for is a SMPS for use with batteries (AA). Does >anyone have any good sites for simple but efficient SMPS? Also >are there relays that can be activated by 3V? > >Thanks -- Dwayne Reid Trinity Electronics Systems Ltd Edmonton, AB, CANADA (780) 489-3199 voice (780) 487-6397 fax www.trinity-electronics.com Custom Electronics Design and Manufacturing -- http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist