Main > Main Forum
LEDWiz wiring to exceed 500ma
whynotpizza:
LEDWiz question.
Ok, so I have 32 lights and cannot exceed 25 lights (20 milliamps each) to maintain no larger than 500ma.
So how do I get the additional 7 lights?
Suppose I splice a 5V wire from a separate USB plug, and connect this to an open port on a USB hub or the motherboard USB port, and daisy chain 7 buttons off this 5V line? Then, I could route the GND from each of the 7 into the LEDWiz to complete the circuit.
Would this be a problem? or will it still keep me within a 500ma or less on the LEDWiz amp draw?
David
atomikbohm:
If I'm remembering correctly the 500 ma total for all LEDs restriction is imposed only if you are using the usb connection to power your LEDs. If you use an alternative power source you can go up to 500ma per channel. i.e. don't go over 500ma total limit unless you use the external power source option. You could run a line from your pc power source to your LED wiz. Just make sure it's the correct voltage and not over taxing the rail of your power supply.
You can see the install docs on GGG's web site (small chip http://groovygamegear.com/PDF/LEDWIZv2_INSTALL.pdf large chip http://groovygamegear.com/PDF/LEDWIZ_INSTALL.pdf).
whynotpizza:
Thanks for the info on the external power options -- yes, it looks like this could be done and I also have those PDF's from GGG. However, it really is confusing to me this option and those instructions are not clear from GGG, and i'd rather not splice into my power lines off the computer -- instead would rather use the USB driven 5V option.
So I have the LEDWiz setup using it's onboard 5V -- and this 5V line drives the 25 lights and am wondering if I can "pull" additional 5V from another USB source for the remaining 7 lights.
David
um3k:
No matter what USB option you use, you'll never be able to to go above 500ma. It's part of the USB spec that no port is allowed to draw more than 500ma.
Haterot:
Is the 500ma restriction per LEDWiz? Can you add another LEDWiz, and then possibly plug those into a powered USB-Hub?