Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum

Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: mikequick23 on February 17, 2017, 08:14:30 am

Title: LED Button Lighting
Post by: mikequick23 on February 17, 2017, 08:14:30 am
So, i'm finishing up my control panel for my MAME cab and couldn't find a clear answer on something. Can I power all 20 of my led buttons in parallel from one 5v molex source on my 800W power supply, or is that too many (all my buttons are 5v)?  I've read a lot about daisy chaining them together but never saw how many. I have 2 free molex power sources left on my power supply if splitting them up would help.
Title: Re: LED Button Lighting
Post by: Titchgamer on February 17, 2017, 01:26:52 pm
Depends on the Wattage of the LED's how many you could daisy chain together but 20 will be fine.
Title: Re: LED Button Lighting
Post by: PL1 on February 17, 2017, 01:32:30 pm
So, i'm finishing up my control panel for my MAME cab and couldn't find a clear answer on something. Can I power all 20 of my led buttons in parallel from one 5v molex source on my 800W power supply, or is that too many (all my buttons are 5v)?  I've read a lot about daisy chaining them together but never saw how many. I have 2 free molex power sources left on my power supply if splitting them up would help.
Welcome aboard mikequick23.   ;D

Most LEDs draw about 20 mA.

20 LEDs * 20 mA = 400 mA total current draw.

You'll have no problem handling that with your power supply on one Molex connector.

Most power supply 5v rails are rated for 20A+ so you could easily power hundreds of LEDs.

The Molex pins can also handle a large amout of current.

From wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Molex_connector):
Quote
There are three typical pin sizes: 1.57 mm (0.062 in), 2.13 mm (0.084 in), and 2.36 mm (0.093 in). The 1.57 mm pin can carry 5 A of current, while the 2.36 mm can carry 8.5 A.
. . .
Max. current    11 A/pin (30 °C rise)


Scott
Title: Re: LED Button Lighting
Post by: mikequick23 on February 17, 2017, 01:56:22 pm
I was assuming I was good but just wanted to confirm. Thanks for your help!