I am trying to set up some leds inmy car but I am confused at which resistors to get. I am using the resistance calculator but it does not make any sense. ANy help would be great. Here is what I am getting:
I am getting 8 of
THESE
and also 10 of
THESE
I am wanting to run them all on one switch. So that would be in parallel. I would also need a resistor for each led. THis is where I am confused at. If anyone can help me out and tell me what ohm resistors I need that would be great.
Thanks
Member since: 03/2005
Now, I know nothing if installing LED's, but couldn't you just put one resistor before all of the LED's and make it work? If your hooking them all up to one switch and running multiple resistors, the resistance would be greater after each resistor...
1983 Camaro Z28
i don't beleive so when wiring in parallel. bucause each led has its on connection, unlike series that it is basically a daisy chain. anyone else help shed some light on this.
Member since: 03/2005
on the red leds you will need a 560 ohm 1/4 watt resistor to drive them at their typical current.
on the blue ones use a 470 ohm 1/4 watt resistor
that should make both of them about the same brightness
you will need one (1) resistor for each led if you wire them in parallel
Don't mean to post jack, but I was just looking into the same thing, and I was wondering if this type of LED is the best way to go? or if other types are better, I've also been looking at "Hi-Power" LEDs that are about $2.50 to $8.50 a piece, I was wondering if these would work, or if they would just drain way too much power, cuz I want something bright that'll have a wide angle.
I'm not too sure on the resistors but I would do it like this.
12v + --- switch ----------------------------------------------------------
| |
resistor resistor
| |
+ side of LED 1 + side of LED 2
{} {}
- side of led 1 - side of led 2
| |
Ground-------------------------------------------------------------
Repeat for each additional LED
Well that didn't work, it looks like it took all my spaces out. Let me try again.
There's better pictures and a full explnation in the " NEW Interior FAQ"
The calculator I use:
http://led.linear1.org/led.wiz
Do 2 series of 4 for the Reds:
and 4 series of 2 for the blues.
When calculating out the resistor values, use a source voltage of 13.8 (typical operating voltage when the car is running). That will allow some leeway so you don't overdrive the LED's and pop them.
Each series can then be run in parallel (all tapped off the same switch)
I have currently in my car four 3 series, and 2 sets of 2 series that have been in there for over a year and all of them are still going strong.
why is it that the resistor goes on the negative side??
Member since: 03/2005
I forgot to mention... that's a flaw in the schematic. the values are correct though.
I just used one resister for each turn signal front and back. I didn't use resistors for the sidemarker leds. Funny thing is now the turnsignal lights alternate flashes with the sidemarkers. Turnsignal, sidemarker, turnsignal, sidemarker, etc. On Ebay you can type in Velocity LED in the search and you will see lots of listings by them. Just click on one of their listings and then click on "see seller's store." I got my resistors from them.
My Fquick Page
^^Wrong kind of resistors... This is the little resistors (like at Radio Shack) for individual LED's.
Velocity is a good seller, aside from the front turns, all the other LED bulbs I got from him (and local for me, so I've saved on shipping
)
BTW, the alternating pattern is normal when you have your lights on and hit the turn signal even with regular bulbs.
When using load resistors for LED turn signals, be
very careful where they are mounted. They generate alot of heat and can/will melt plastic.
