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Happs Illuminated Pushbuttons...Hot!
JMasSlikStik:
Hello,
We use LED's to light the trackball on the SlikStik, they are 5v and get power right from the IPAC, you can get 5 volt right off a pc motherboard I think. They are a little pricey I think though, if you send an email to info@slikstik.com, Christian can probably help you find a source. Or you can easily track them down on the web.
JMascari
http://www.slikstik.com
liche:
With LEDs, you can basically run them off any voltage as long as the forward voltage of the LED is met. The 5V LEDs you speak of most likely have their own current limiting resistors inside them, so the minimum voltage you can run (without losing any brightness) is 5V. You could run that LED with a 120VAC if you wanted to, you just need to have the proper current limiting resistor. Also, when running LEDs directly off of 120VAC, you must remember that the LED (being a diode) is only going to conduct for half the 50/60Hz cycle. You should choose a resistor for this based on the peak voltage which is 120 * SQRT(2).
Also most standard LEDs will be happy with about 10-15mA driving them. You can calculate your current limiting resistor using that figure.
For example, you want to run an LED with 10V with 10mA current.
We'll also neglect the forward voltage of the LED in our calculation
Using ohms law V=RI
V/I = Resistor Value
10/10mA = 1k resistor
NEVER hook up a LED directly to a voltage source or you WILL destroy that LED.
(does not include LEDs that have built in resistors)
Dink:
--- Quote from: JMasSlikStik on November 23, 2002, 11:12:25 am ---Hello,
JMascari
http://www.slikstik.com
--- End quote ---
Aren't you the CEO or something of SlikStik? :)
JMasSlikStik:
Not the CEO, but one of the principals.
VMJ Team:
I replaced the bulbs with the original bulbs and they are slightly dimmer, and generating less heat, but not a whole lot. It just seems to me that something in not right. I know light gives off heat...but aren't these things supposed to be designed around that factor. We're not talking about melting plastic, but your finger definately feels the heat when pushing the buttons. If this is normal, then I'll leave it...but I'm afraid to leave it plugged in for long periods of time.