How does a newb connect 2 LED's off an IPAC?

[leapinlew]

I've searched and searched.... I know I'm missing something easy, as this seems like a topic already discussed(but I couldn't find it). I don't mind doing some reading, but what I want to do is power 2 LED's off my ipac. I want to light up 2 of the 25cent buttons from Mike. I'm a total novice at this. I don't know much about resistors. Has anyone created a guide or can anyone send me to a website where I can read up on this(from a rookie's perspective).

Thanks.

[whammoed]

good place to start if you want to use the led inputs from the ipac:
http://www.oscarcontrols.com/led/index.shtml
otherwise use an led resistor calculator and simply tap into the 5v:
http://www.luxeonstar.com/resistor-calculator.php

[leapinlew]

good place to start if you want to use the led inputs from the ipac:
http://www.oscarcontrols.com/led/index.shtml
otherwise use an led resistor calculator and simply tap into the 5v:
http://www.luxeonstar.com/resistor-calculator.php

Thanks... I read the pages. I guess what I'm having a problem with is the resistors. I'm not sure how they connect to the LED's. And I'm also not sure how they physically connect to the ipac. I would like a real rookie tutorial on how to hook up a couple LED's to the Ipac.

It sounds like I need to buy some LED's and put in a resistor that brings the 5v down to whatever the led actually needs. Am I close?

[whammoed]

Yep, thats pretty much it.  I'm guessing you simply want the leds on all the time?
All you need to do is put the resistor inline with the power to the led.  Hook the +5volts to the resistor and the resistor to the longer leg of the led.  Hook the shorter leg of the led to ground.
heres another link:
http://www.kpsec.freeuk.com/components/led.htm

[leapinlew]

Yes, always on. Ok. I think with the information you have given me and some trial and error I can figure the rest out.

Thanks Whammo!

[RayB]

If you want them always on, you don't need to go through the IPAC.
The IPAC has support for controlling "keyboard LEDs". Don't confuse the two.

[ahofle]

In addition to what RayB said, the IPAC doesn't have the power to light up so called 'super bright' LEDs, which is what I presume you will be using to light up your buttons.  Use a 5v lead from your computer's power supply and the appropriate resistor (connect inline with the anode (long end) of the LED as whammoed suggested).

[whammoed]

The ipac doesn't have enough power for superbrights on its LED lines.  It does have enough on its +5 connector though.  So if its more convenient you *can* use the ipac to power them.  Otherwise simply tap it from a disk drive connector of your power supply.  (+5 volts is the red wire, either black wire for ground)