[sdiy] Running a Bipolar Comparator..

[Busby Bergson]

Hi everyone -

I'm currently trying to run an LM339 on a bipolar power supply. The
application notes suggest this is possible, as long as the input
signals don't go negative. I'm feeding it with a fully-rectified input
and a variable threshold from 0-12v.

Attached to it is a pretty standard Attack/Release circuit, feeding a buffer.

There are two issues:
1. The "Release" circuit shorts at the far end of its range.
2. Diodes are getting blown out.

Does anyone have any idea why this is happening?

Here's a drawing of the circuit:
http://imgur.com/a/U0F8e

Thanks..