Power Supplies - Ultimarc PACLED64 and Ultimate IO

[Lamaman1971]

Hi Folks, at the risk of airing my stupidity in public I just wanted to share my mistake uncovered over the weekend. I have been using (without problems) and Ultimate IO board for over 3 years. A couple of days ago I needed to add in an additional LED controller so I dug out my spare PACLED64 and hooked it up. It was running ok, but very hot - so much so I was a bit concerned so I emailed Andy at Ultimarc.

Firstly, Andy responded immediately - which was fantastic (as usual). He probably prevented some serious damage to my CP and my fingers (yes, the PACLED was THAT hot).

Secondly, these boards run on 5V. I - bewilderingly - had hooked them up to 12V. Hence the over temperatures for the PACLED. Oddly, the Ultimate IO was fine. Never-the-less both are running 5V now.

With respect to the PACLED - and In my defense - the PCB does state 12V. Its NOT, at least for resistive Ultralux LED buttons.

So - two things - Ultimarc's Web Site is great (as is Andy) and clearly states the correct voltage. Secondly, use 5V per the instructions on the site.

Thats it. Hope it helps someone else.