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Author Topic: how to tell which side of LED is ground?  (Read 9968 times)

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blueboy

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how to tell which side of LED is ground?
« on: April 02, 2007, 06:16:15 pm »
Hi,
Thanks for answering a newb question...

I have this pushbutton

http://happcontrols.com/pushbuttons/5700044x.htm

Which side is the ground for the led?
I know the configurations for the button itself.

Thanks again,
Blue

ahofle

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Re: how to tell which side of LED is ground?
« Reply #1 on: April 02, 2007, 06:23:34 pm »
The shorter leg of the LED is the cathode:

http://www.kpsec.freeuk.com/components/led.htm

SavannahLion

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Re: how to tell which side of LED is ground?
« Reply #2 on: April 02, 2007, 06:25:03 pm »
Is that the right link? That's a lamp, not an LED.

blueboy

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Re: how to tell which side of LED is ground?
« Reply #3 on: April 02, 2007, 06:32:30 pm »
Hmm..dunno why it linked there.

It's part 57-0004-41
Looks like both sides are the same though?
Any help

THanks,
Blue

ahofle

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Re: how to tell which side of LED is ground?
« Reply #4 on: April 02, 2007, 06:55:18 pm »
Do you mean this?
http://happcontrols.com/pushbuttons/91115700.htm

If it's a drop in replacement and you get the correct voltage, then you shouldn't have any problems just trying it out in both directions (only the correct way will light up).

leapinlew

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Re: how to tell which side of LED is ground?
« Reply #5 on: April 02, 2007, 06:59:17 pm »
buy 2 -

try it both ways.  ;)

loadman

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Re: how to tell which side of LED is ground?
« Reply #6 on: April 02, 2007, 07:54:50 pm »
buy 2 -

try it both ways.  ;)

...LED not Girls  ;D

blueboy

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Re: how to tell which side of LED is ground?
« Reply #7 on: April 02, 2007, 08:09:03 pm »
LOL....

Will try both ways..
I know nothing about correct wattage, i noticed these say resistor on board..
I have a total of 19 of them and one LED wiz powered by USB...anyone think it will blow the lights?

Thanks,
Blue

RandyT

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Re: how to tell which side of LED is ground?
« Reply #8 on: April 02, 2007, 08:47:31 pm »

I'm confused.  The stock buttons associated with the part number you provided are used with 14v light bulbs.

If you have purchased the LED "blade" lamp replacements, these have resistors built-in for the voltage specified by the part you purchased.  If you got the 6v version, it will light at 5v, but won't be as bright.

It shouldn't be a problem if you hook them up backwards.  It won't burn them out or anything, they just won't work until you get it right.  Use one to figure out the correct orientation and then wire the rest the same way.

RandyT


blueboy

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Re: how to tell which side of LED is ground?
« Reply #9 on: April 03, 2007, 05:17:31 am »
Utt ohhh...

I did get the ones that are 14v...

It looks as though the LED wiz is for a total of 5v....
I'm assuming they will be dull as hell.....Any workaround?

I see the part about hooking the LEDwiz up to the powersupply but the directions are not more detailed than that.

Thanks,
Blue

Kaytrim

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Re: how to tell which side of LED is ground?
« Reply #10 on: April 03, 2007, 09:44:19 am »
Utt ohhh...

I did get the ones that are 14v...

It looks as though the LED wiz is for a total of 5v....
I'm assuming they will be dull as hell.....Any workaround?

I see the part about hooking the LEDwiz up to the powersupply but the directions are not more detailed than that.

Thanks,
Blue

The power supply hookup is only for 5v not the 12v that you can also get from the PS.  If you try to connect 12v to the keywiz you will more than likely fry you board.  The 5v hookup is for additional amperage because USB only delivers 500ma.

I would suggest that you put your 12v LEDs on ebay and buy the 6v verities.

TTFN  :cheers:

blueboy

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Re: how to tell which side of LED is ground?
« Reply #11 on: April 03, 2007, 07:31:09 pm »
Ewww....

Will something like this work to power 19 of the lights i already have installed?
http://www.happcontrols.com/powersupplies/80021500.htm

Thanks
Blue

Kaytrim

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Re: how to tell which side of LED is ground?
« Reply #12 on: April 03, 2007, 10:04:29 pm »
you can get 12v off your PC power supply.  You just won't be able to control them with a LEDWiz.

Kaytrim

blueboy

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Re: how to tell which side of LED is ground?
« Reply #13 on: April 04, 2007, 05:16:35 am »
you can get 12v off your PC power supply.  You just won't be able to control them with a LEDWiz.

Kaytrim

Well, this is good news, I'm assuming i could daisy chain the common as they are all white leds, and then one hook up to the computer power, can you explain how to hook into the power supply, as well as if i need any resistors to ensure i have my needed 12v and  don't blow them all.

Thanks,
Blue

Led wiz for sale soon 8)
« Last Edit: April 04, 2007, 05:18:26 am by blueboy »

Kaytrim

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Re: how to tell which side of LED is ground?
« Reply #14 on: April 04, 2007, 01:14:26 pm »
you can get 12v off your PC power supply.  You just won't be able to control them with a LEDWiz.

Kaytrim

Well, this is good news, I'm assuming i could daisy chain the common as they are all white leds, and then one hook up to the computer power, can you explain how to hook into the power supply, as well as if i need any resistors to ensure i have my needed 12v and  don't blow them all.

Thanks,
Blue

Led wiz for sale soon 8)


With the resistor on board you should not have any worry about blowing them.  You can daisy chain the common and the hot wires to each button LED.  The easiest way to get your power is from a hard drive power cable.  Use a mulit meter to check the outer leads with the inner lead next to it.  this will tell you which is 5v and which is 12v.  You can also purchase a product from whammoed called the powermite.  You can get more info from his site www.nicemite.com.

I also sent you a PM on the LEDWiz. ;D

TTFN :cheers:
Kaytrim