LEDWiz + RGB Buttons Wiring Questions

[newoski]

Hi Guys,

This is my 3rd LEDWiz thread, as my goals have evolved quite a bit as I've learned more. I've read pretty much every thread I could find on on multiple forums, so I hope these questions reflect the effort I've put in so far. Thank you in advance for your help!

Objective:
To individually control (21) Electric Ice2 buttons with Helio9 RGB LEDs using (2) LEDWiz. I won't be using the LEDWiz for anything other than LEDs.

1. The Helio9 require 165ma per button and I'll have 10+ Helio9 RGB per LEDWIZ. Therefore, I need to use my PSU MOLEX line for 5V power, as the USB doesn't share enough amps across the board to power that many Helio9 RGB.

Correct?

2. The LEDWiz requires grounding and, even with the USB connection, it is recommended to use the GND terminal when using 5v off of MOLEX. Since I'm using (2) LEDWiz, I'll connect the BLACK ground wire from my PSU molex to the GND on LEDWiz #1. Then I'll jumper GND from #1 to GND on #2.

Correct?

3. It is recommended to use an in-line fuse. With (21) Helio9, rated at 55ma per color and 165ma per button, that totals 3465ma (3.5 amps). The LEDWiz threads I've read have recommended using fuse that is 125% the total max load. Additionally, I've read that the voltage rating doesn't matter, as long as it is rated higher than the voltage used. Therefore, I'll need a fuse rated at 4.3 amps or more with a rating over 5volts. Looking online, there don't appear to be fuses available rated at 4.5 amps. The next available rating is 5 amps.

Will these work for my needs?

5Amp 250v Fast-Blow Fuses:
http://www.amazon.com/Qty-Fast-Blow-Fuse-250v-GMA5A/dp/B004HLV372

18 AWG Fuse Holder
http://www.amazon.com/1st-Source-In-line-Fuse-Holder/dp/B0002KR8EE

4. To cleanly connect all my 5v lines, I'll be using (2) TERMINAL BLOCKS and 18 AWG wire.

Is 18 AWG wire rated highly enough for the Helio9 RGB LEDs?

5. I see what the LEDWiz can come with or without a heatsink.

Based on my usage, should I get my LEDWiz with or without heatsinks?

Thanks so much, guys! Again, I've taken a ton of time to do my research before posting this and I'd really appreciate your assistance in confirming that I've made the right choices to safely setup the (2) LEDWiz with (21) Electric Ice2 buttons and Helio9 RGB LEDs.

[what2be]

Im no electrician (I don't even play one on tv) but I have done plenty of wiring around my home and also installed and wired 20 buttons on my arcade cabinet so here is my advice...

1) Correct, USB 2.0 spec is rated at 4 loads of 100ma each for a total of 500ma per usb 2.0 port

2) This is also correct, and will work.

3)  125% sounds right, and I cant say yes or no about the voltage rating question, but I would use either a 6v or 12v 5amp inline blade fuse instead of the older style ACG type fuse's. Here's what I would pick:
 
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00P5FX5UM?keywords=12%20volt%20inline%20fuse&qid=1444665975&ref_=sr_1_15&sr=8-15

and for fuses:

http://www.amazon.com/Littelfuse-0MIN005-VPGLO-MINI-SmartGlow-Volt/dp/B009OZ7VPE/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1444666208&sr=8-9&keywords=blade+fuse+12volt

4) Yes, 18 would work but seems overkill. Not sure what gauge the harness was I bought from Ultimarc but id guess 20 or 22.

5) without a doubt, yes, Heat is what kills electronics so anytime you can keep the heat down is a good thing. But I have to ask, are you set on the ledwiz for a particular reason? It sounds like the Ultimarc 64 led controller would do what you want and it comes with a molex power connector with it and would save you time and make your life easier. I use the Ultimate I/O that combines both keyboard/mice and LED outputs on the same board and it works great. The link below is for a 64 LED controller only if you don't need keyboard/mouse inputs. 

https://www.ultimarc.com/pacled64.html

[newoski]

Im no electrician (I don't even play one on tv) but I have done plenty of wiring around my home and also installed and wired 20 buttons on my arcade cabinet so here is my advice...

1) Correct, USB 2.0 spec is rated at 4 loads of 100ma each for a total of 500ma per usb 2.0 port

2) This is also correct, and will work.

3)  125% sounds right, and I cant say yes or no about the voltage rating question, but I would use either a 6v or 12v 5amp inline blade fuse instead of the older style ACG type fuse's. Here's what I would pick:
 
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00P5FX5UM?keywords=12%20volt%20inline%20fuse&qid=1444665975&ref_=sr_1_15&sr=8-15

and for fuses:

http://www.amazon.com/Littelfuse-0MIN005-VPGLO-MINI-SmartGlow-Volt/dp/B009OZ7VPE/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1444666208&sr=8-9&keywords=blade+fuse+12volt

4) Yes, 18 would work but seems overkill. Not sure what gauge the harness was I bought from Ultimarc but id guess 20 or 22.

5) without a doubt, yes, Heat is what kills electronics so anytime you can keep the heat down is a good thing. But I have to ask, are you set on the ledwiz for a particular reason? It sounds like the Ultimarc 64 led controller would do what you want and it comes with a molex power connector with it and would save you time and make your life easier. I use the Ultimate I/O that combines both keyboard/mice and LED outputs on the same board and it works great. The link below is for a 64 LED controller only if you don't need keyboard/mouse inputs. 

https://www.ultimarc.com/pacled64.html

Thanks so much for the response. I looked at the PacLED64 previously, and while it looks pretty straightforward, it doesn't look like it would work well with the buttons/Helio9 LEDs that I'm using.