Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum
Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: Oldskool on March 23, 2004, 10:19:14 pm
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I've purchased several superbright LEDs.
The make up of the LED is that one side is the anode, and the other side is the cathode. Light will only emit if the polarity is correct. Right.......?
Well, this rule applies when I hook up a single LED. When I connect a 6-cluster LED, it doesn't matter what the polarity is. It glows both ways.
Why is that?
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Got a link (or at least a picture) of this 6-cluster thingy you're talking about?
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I've purchased several superbright LEDs.
The make up of the LED is that one side is the anode, and the other side is the cathode. Light will only emit if the polarity is correct. Right.......?
Well, this rule applies when I hook up a single LED. When I connect a 6-cluster LED, it doesn't matter what the polarity is. It glows both ways.
Why is that?
Hmmm, what kindof socket are you using to connect the LED's? I have the same ones and that sounds kinda odd.
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Sounds to me like the manufacturer has included some circuitry to reverse the connections if they are backward. Probably to 'idiot-proof' the lights for the automotive market.
Or I could be completely wrong. That has happened once or twice. ;)
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Got a link (or at least a picture) of this 6-cluster thingy you're talking about?
Yeah, here it is, with a product description.
T13-W6 White LED bulb
12VDC White 6-LED Wedge Base bulb
measure 1 1/8 long by 1/2 inch maximum diameter (194/168 type)
Non Polarized
Now, I have to assume that being "non-polarized" means that polarity is not an issue.
Why is this...........?
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Sounds like they stuck some diodes in there that always route the current the right way through the LEDs (like a bridge rectifier)
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Sounds like they stuck some diodes in there that always route the current the right way through the LEDs (like a bridge rectifier)
...the point being that this is not just a simple LED bulb - it's a housing that has LED bulbs along with additional circuitry.
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Got a link (or at least a picture) of this 6-cluster thingy you're talking about?
Yeah, here it is, with a product description.
T13-W6 White LED bulb
12VDC White 6-LED Wedge Base bulb
measure 1 1/8 long by 1/2 inch maximum diameter (194/168 type)
Non Polarized
Now, I have to assume that being "non-polarized" means that polarity is not an issue.
Why is this...........?
ahah! non-polarized means that the polarity does not matter. There are probably some diodes in there to keep the polarity from being reversed. I'll check mine, I think I have the same type from the same company.