Got my
LP339M
samples in the mail: 4 low power comparators in a 14 pin
SOIC narrow package. Wasn't sure it would be possible, but
I managed to free-form a light seeker circuit right on the
tiny chip. I ganged the comparators so I could sink more
current (hope for 60 mA) on each side. I used 2 220K
resitors for a voltage divider and two LDR's for the light
detectors. After several retries I had the circuit
assembled. I plugged it into the solderless breadboard,
connected a limiting resistor and two LED's. No smoke!
Unfortunately my LDR's weren't balanced, I had to embed one
of them in clay to make the circuit work better.
Blinkenlights! Just waving your hand in front of the
sensors will make it switch side to side.
I think this circuit would be fine for a simple light
tracking headbot. Hope to post some pictures soon.