Hi Chris ,
Yes, that's what I was thinking of, however I've realised there is a tolerance problem.
Not all advice on the forums is good either.
If the 1.2V version of the LM385is used the worst case minimum current limit is around 80mA
(LM317 V
REF at 1.3V, and LM385 at 1.205V). With typical values it works, but you can't design that way.
It would be better to use the 2.5V version with a resistor between the LM385 and the pot (820R nominal), this should allow the minimum current limit to be set to zero. (without the 820R, zero current limit would occur at around the mid point of the pot 'wasting' half the travel.)
Both pots are now the wrong way round, assuming you want the current limit to increase with clockwise rotation. (arrow indicates clockwise rotation)
I hope I haven't disheartened you further
Jim
ps If the LED circuit is working then why not stick with it (again a resistor between the LED and the pot would increase the arc of the pot used, 330 to 470R depending on the LED voltage).
My only concerns were that the tempco of the LED forward voltage is around -2mV/
oC and that parameters are not well defined.