Multiple RGB LEDs on same I-Pac Ultimate output

[bfauska]

I have an idea for a way to light my trackball that would take several (9 right now) LEDs and while I have the channels available on my 2 player cp and wiring it to 9 separate RGB outputs would make for some cool possible effects in an attract mode I'd like to figure out a way to hook them all up to one output.
I know that the easy way to use multiple LEDs on one circuit is to wire in series but I also know that RGB LEDs don't work in series because they all share the anode. I think parallel doesn't work because it would draw more current than the I-Pac can supply.

Am I missing some obvious way to have this work? Would the 1amp outputs be the way to go? LEDs in parallel with resistors on the 1amp outs?

Thanks, hopefully my trackball lighting scheme works out and I can share a new idea with y'all.

[AndyWarne]

There isnt really any need to use RGB LEDs for trackball illumination. Our own kit uses large Cree single-color LEDs, a pair of each, red, green, blue.

These are incredibly bright as they are a type specified for illuminated road gantry signs.

But the high-current outputs would need to be used as the standard outputs are fixed at 18mA, ie standard LED current.

[bfauska]

I poorly stated my plan in the last message. What I actually intend to do is light a ring of frosted acrylic around an opaque ball.
If I go with the 9 RGB LEDs around the ball each color of them wired to 1 channel of the 1A output does the following look correct? I understand that the LEDs have 4 leads each, the 9 anodes would be wired to the common positive and each colors cathode would be wired in the opposite polarity shown in the drawing with the appropriate resistors.

[mgb]

I just quickly skimmed through this so forgive me if I've missed something but what if you ran a separate 5 volt feed (or whatever is needed, along with proper load resistors) to the ring of leds and then just made a simple circuit with a transistor as the switch coming off the single output of your controller.

[bfauska]

I just quickly skimmed through this so forgive me if I've missed something but what if you ran a separate 5 volt feed (or whatever is needed, along with proper load resistors) to the ring of leds and then just made a simple circuit with a transistor as the switch coming off the single output of your controller.

Based on my limited understanding of electronics that would work, but based on my limited understanding of electronics I think this is easier. The 1A outputs are there, it's just a matter of applying enough resistance to the LEDs to make them all work off the same output.

[mgb]

You're doing RGB so you're still gonna need 3 outputs unless you want them to light as white

[bfauska]

That part I get. It's more the math I was curious about. I think the image I posted and my adaptation of it for the RGBs will work, I just need to wait for my LEDs to get here from China to find out.