LEDs
 

Where is a good source to buy from that sells 12v leds which can be run on a separate circuit on the PD board?

Re: LEDs
 

I've ordered from http://www.superbrightleds.com/ many times and have always been impressed. I've ordered them for my car, our boat, and for personal projects. They ship quickly, and accurately for us (South Mississippi).

Have a look at our blue and orange robot this year if you want some pictures.

Re: LEDs
 

Yep, superbrights is a great site https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?f...type=3&theater

Re: LEDs
 

What LED's From here are the best and cheapest? I dont mean colour, we all know orange and blue are the best ;)

Re: LEDs
 

I've found great success with LEDs on ebay, believe it or not. PM me if you'd like the names of the users that I've bought from without any problems.

For the most part, you can figure an LED will have a voltage drop of about 3 volts. Usually you'll find 12 volt "LEDs" are actually arrays of 4, not single bulbs (there's probably many exceptions to this). This includes the light ring that was popular this year.

When I've bought bulk 5mm LEDs, I've found that the cost can be as low as $22 for 1000 including shipping.


Do you have more information of what you're looking to do with these LEDs?

Re: LEDs
 

Any LED can be made to run from 12 volts by adding a resistor in series with it. You just need to know the necessary current (use 10 or 20 mA if unknown) and the color (= operating voltage).

So for a red LED (~2 volts) at 20 mA:
V = I * R or R = V/I
You need to drop 12 to 2 volts, or 10 volts
10 / 0.020 = 500 Ohms. Use 480 or 510 Ohms.

P=I*V, 0.02*10=0.2 Watts, 1/4 watt or larger is necessary.

Re: LEDs
 

Agreed! But yes, http://www.superbrightleds.com/ has always impressed.

Re: LEDs
 

Thank you Don! I was trying to figure this out the other day and, not being an engineer, didn't know how to apply the principal.

Simple examples = 1K words.

Re: LEDs
 

We got our 12v LEDs at Pep Boys. They were more expensive they buying online, but we were able to use them immediately.

Re: LEDs
 

We put these lights on our robot... They have their own controller which will change colors of the lights. Very customizable and fun! http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/50192365/

Re: LEDs
 

I think that might make a nice off-season project for anyone interested in programming microcontrollers.