LED Voltages?

[ras2a]

Im gonna be backlighting my trackball with some super-bright LEDs.  Just wondering what the best way to do this is?  I can't seem to find any 12v LEDs in the CPC catalogue I have.  Most have a max forward current of 4v.  Would I be ok with these connected to the 5v of a Molex connector, or do I need another solution?

Has anyone designed a rudimentary circuit for driving LEDs including resistors to limit the current?

I'm in the UK so can our UK brethren recommend a good source for appropriate LEDs?

cheers guys

- ras2a -

[whammoed]

well,not in uk but this is what i did...no need for circuits...run on 12v straight from power supply




got the lights here:
http://www.superbrightleds.com/led_prods.htm
and the socket here:
http://www.superbrightleds.com/led_prods.htm

[ras2a]

cracking - nice one whammoed.  I'll check those out...wonder if there is something similar on offer here in the UK so I don't have to wait as long for shipping?

I'll have a look around

thanks again mate

[whammoed]

no problem,
i know other people have used an led cluster that already has the molex on it to hook up to the power supply.  don't remember where they got it but a search here might come up with it.

[whammoed]

this is where kevin at retroblast got his...they are called lazer led's
http://www.glowire.com/Lazer%20LEDs.htm

[ras2a]

superb! - that's brilliant

thanks again whammoed

[johnnysmitch]

If you decide against using the premade LED clusters suggested above, you can you CAN hook up single LEDs to you 5v leads (OR 12v for that matter) if you use the proper resistors - google for "LED calculator" and you'll find some online calculators that'll tell you what rating of resistors to use.  Hooking up standard, single, ultrabright blue leds, I use a 75ohm resistor and hook them up to the 5v lead.

[ras2a]

great stuff johnny.  I will do a quick google later.  Just pee'd me off a bit as I can't seem to find any 12v ready LEDs in this catalogue. (CPC are a BIG company too).  Maybe Im just not reading the specs right (limited knowledge).  Anyroad as you say, it won't be difficult to wire in the appropriate resistors

thanks

[Bgnome]

i know that theyve got some red, blue, and green super bright LEDs at my best buy that have a resistor inline for 12v -- look in the car audio section

[ras2a]

Just been on ebay and found what I need.  Some LEDs that accept 12v straight off.  Doh! why didn't I think of that earlier?  Feeling decidedly dense today

thanks again everyone

- ras2a -

[ras2a]

actually, these should do the trick I think ?

http://tinyurl.com/4vw34

The guy even stocks the appropriate resistors too (pennies)