Posted by scotchmo
You do not need a recitifier diode when using LEDs (the LED is a diode!).
It works better with a bridge unless you enjoy the flickering and or epilectic fits. A non polarized cap would help..
You do not have to run a floating ground when using a half wave rectifier diode.
This is Ok for a battery setup...- then to a fully isolated DC circuit.
Full wave is double the power but it robs even more voltage and, unlike the half wave rectifier, the full wave rectifier requires an isolated (floating) ground.
LED's are current, not voltage based devices, so the voltage drop is not an issue. The isolated ground is only a second insulated wire anyway.