RGB LED's

[Mark_Hardware]

Sigh, so I know it's been asked to death... But I am wanting to get some RGB LED's, and I'm not sure where/what I need to look (for).
Basically, I will need a controller, with like 5, possibly more, independent channels, the LED strips, 3mm and 5mm RGB LED's.
I've looked around, but honestly, I'm not real sure, and I want to know what to get before I get it... I keep seeing ones that say "flashing" does that mean they don't stay on solidly, no matter what? What's the best place to look/buy from? I've used ledshoppe.com in the past, but I don't seem to see anything tha makes me feel confident... Any help is appreciated, and in the meantime I will still be looking around, of course. :)

[SXRguyinMA]

I've got several of these controllers (http://pcboard.ca/kits/led_rainbow/index.html), and CJ has one as well. They're simply to use (as long as you get common anode RGB's), and are easily reprogrammed for any sequence(s) you want. I coded my own heartbeat sequence for mine :D

you can use these RGB modules (http://www.pcboard.ca/shop/home.php?cat=56)with this controller, or use single 5mm RGB LED's (http://ledshoppe.com/Product/led/LE1011.htm) ($12 for 20) and just wire them up. Check out my Tempest SXR mod (in my sig) and you'll see how I swapped all the LEDs in my case fans to 5mm RGB ones for my controller

vids of my setup:
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[Konrad]

You're looking for multicoloured LEDs. There are many types, 2- and 3-coloured are fairly common, though I doubt any are made more than 4-colour (and one of those is usually white).

Probably the most common variety is basically just two or more discrete (and different coloured) LEDs built into a single package; they typically share grounds (cathode) but have independent anodes, some can produce intermediate colours by mixing the discrete primaries (example, purple on a red/blue LED). A variation is an internal PIV threshold on each LED (basically prevents it from conducting when power is "reversed") which can allow anodes (and cathodes) to be used more interchangeably, ie: fewer pins needed to make different colours, a 2-pin LED might be green one way and red in the other.

Some LEDs are designed to use analog power levels to produce different colours. Some LEDs are designed to use some kind of (microcontroller) digital logic or pulse modulation to produce different colours - these later versions tend to cost more and are typically only seen as SMT components which aren't well suited to hand-soldering.

There are of course LEDs available in countless brightness/intensities, with different "focus" (viewing angles), better voltage and heat thresholds, etc etc. There are also many kinds of IRED and UVED versions.

"Flashing" can mean that they LEDs are attached to some kind of circuit/module which is designed to make them flash - or it can mean that the LEDs operate sort of like blinky xmas lights, these basically contain a tiny internal bimetallic "switch" which intermittently flicks the LED on/off at some heat threshold. It seems like you don't want flashing.

What is your intended application? Specifically, what is your power source (in terms of voltage and amps), and what do you need the LEDs to indicate (on/off states, read/write activity, high-speed digital logic, etc)?

[Mark_Hardware]

SXRguy, thanks man, that's a lot of info! I'll be checking into all that +rep

Konrad, I'll be using this in my computer. I have various applications, including areas that will be using the led strips (mostly to save myself some work) as well as individuals, though I am hoping for 3mm, due to some space constraints.

[Konrad]

You're probably best served by purchasing the sort of modules that SXR recommended. More plug-n-play, less electronics theory.

[SXRguyinMA]

also, it'll be tough to find 3mm RGB's, unless they're the SMD kind. those modules I linked to are the SMD kind which is nice. you can always cut and extend the wires in between the modules (like I have done) if you need to space them more.

for regular LEDs thuogh, I don't think its possible to get all the cathodes and an anode in a 3mm bulb package, but I could be wrong (seeing how they fit it into a small smd package). I've just never seen them. I looked for them because I could have used a few in my Tempest mod (the NZXT fans have 3mm led's in them), but had to swap fans to use the 5mm ones instead.

If you go with the PCBoard.ca kit, I'll give you John's email and he can set you up with whatever you need, and he can program in any custom sequences you want. By default it comes with 61 sequences (including position parker every 10 sequences), so there's plenty of room on that little 8-pin DIP to put in just about anything you want. There's a button that cycles through the sequences, and as long as the sequence runs for 10 seconds it'll save it when the unit is powered off.

[diluzio91]

hmm.. mind if i PM you SXR? i kinda want to get some to play with too... my soldering iron is getting lonely. :D

[SXRguyinMA]

not at all, pm away :D