"An even simpler option would be to use a zener diode. Something in the 2 to 3 volts (by careful design) considering all the above and supply voltage esp..."

"The thing I like most about this circuit for small DC motors is that it has Very Good (minimum) voltage drop across the transistors ( < 0.1 typically) so makes for very efficient use of all available battery voltage. Have you found and tried out the single wire H Bridge control ? This utilises and mirrors the 08M's Tri State output modes of operation and allows a single wire to fully control a single DC motor F/R/Stop etc ~ Andrew"

"Thanks. You will then need several standard diodes in series (3 to 4 1N4148) in place of an LED. The total number of diodes and transistor Vbe MUST be greater than the supply voltage. Otherwise base current will flow both Into the PNP and Out of the NPN transistor and as both transistors begin to conduct you will have a rather exotic electronic short circuit ! ~ Andrew"

"worked great for me. thanks! what kind of diode could i use in substitution for the leds in this circuit (for making it even cheaper)?"

"http://www.4dsystems.com.au/prod.php?id=109 Very good documentation and easy 1 wire interface ~ Andrew"