Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum

Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: Jeff AMN on February 26, 2007, 11:17:32 am

Title: Wiring LEDs...and buying what I need.
Post by: Jeff AMN on February 26, 2007, 11:17:32 am

Ok, so my MiniPac is on its way and I should be to the wiring phase of my project by the end of the week. I still need to order LEDs, however, and I need a few tips.

I'm using red and blue LEDs, and I'll be lighting about 20 buttons (give or take a couple). I'm also going to be powering two Perfect 360 sticks. I'm no electrician, but can I pull all of this off of my MiniPac's 5V power? Will I need anything besides the LEDs themselves and some wire?

Also, haven't people found that the 5mm 45 degree angle LEDs work best for buttons?

Thanks.

Title: Re: Wiring LEDs...and buying what I need.
Post by: Kaytrim on February 26, 2007, 11:35:53 am

Have you already purchased the LEDs?  Do you have the resisters for them?  If not head over to Groovy Game Gear and get your LED from Randy.  He sends the proper resister for the LED when used with a 5v power source.  As far as getting your power from the minipac you might overload the system there.  I am not sure but 20 LEDs may draw more amps than USB is capable of handling.  You might be better off getting your 5v from the PC power supply.

TTFN  :cheers:
Kaytrim

Title: Re: Wiring LEDs...and buying what I need.
Post by: Jeff AMN on February 26, 2007, 11:44:40 am

So how do I pull it off the PC supply? Besides the LEDs and wire, what would I need to buy? I knew this was an option, I just haven't found out exactly what to do in order to get it done.

Title: Re: Wiring LEDs...and buying what I need.
Post by: headkaze on February 26, 2007, 11:54:23 am

Get yourself a standard PC power power cable with a molex connector, and run a line off the 5V/Ground

http://www.helpwithpcs.com/courses/power-supply/atx-psu-pinouts.gif

Title: Re: Wiring LEDs...and buying what I need.
Post by: Kaytrim on February 26, 2007, 11:58:00 am

You can get 5v, 12v and the proper ground connections from one of the drive power cables.  Use your multi meeter to check the voltages.  If you want an easy solution you can get a nice device from whamoed.  His site is http://www.nicemite.com/index.htm (http://www.nicemite.com/index.htm).  Look at his PowerMite DD product.  If you just want basic power distribution then get the basic model.  If you want a one button power solution then get the full blown model.

TTFN  :cheers:
Kaytrim

Title: Re: Wiring LEDs...and buying what I need.
Post by: meltman on February 26, 2007, 12:12:16 pm

Great LED calculator

http://led.linear1.org/1led.wiz (http://led.linear1.org/1led.wiz)

and one for a serial/parallel array (if you wanted to)
http://led.linear1.org/led.wiz (http://led.linear1.org/led.wiz)