yet another LED question. series or parallel?

[JimChud]

i knew i was using 12V but couldnt get the 4 in a series working correctly with the resistors i had. so i thought i would try running the 2 in pairs in parallel on the 5V to test and that works fine so i think i'll stick to that

Thanks for your help though was much appreciated
This weekend is mocking up where i want them to go and see how to mount them.
Got any tips for mounting them inside a case?

[crazybillybob]

I've used things like these LED Holders The Prices here are a bit high but if you do some looking you can find the chrome ones cheaper.
Also there's these Plastic one piece clips

One of the easiest Ways to make custom mounts is to use a piece of plastic, acrylic, metal or wood about 1/8-1/4" thick and drill a hole in it just the size of the LED slip the LED in the hole and glue in place from the back Hot glue works the best, as if the LED burns out you can remove it easily are replace the LED. With this method I build a "Box" that fits where I need it (it's not really always a box, some times it's a pyramid, some times it's a 1/4 round, others it's just strip that gets glued in to the corner of the case) the shape isn't important just that it fits in with the case or blends in (stealth). Also if your going to paint the box Do it before you glue in the LEDS.... making a bunch of 5mm tape dots to mask off the LED lens is a pain (don't ask!)
Here is an example of the above method (taken to a Crazy Level) for my R2-SRV mod Rear Logic Display Look at post 305 for the steps and post 309 for the out come (video and all).

I think that about covers it, as always Ask if you've got a Q!


CrazyBillyBob

Yes I'm still cross eyed from drilling all those holes

[xmastree]

A note on LEDs in series. They must be the same type and same color.

Huh? So long as they all require the same current they are fine in series. They will each drop different voltages, but that's no big deal.

This is due to the different operating voltages and current drops.

Current drop?

[crazybillybob]

Current drop?

You caught me... My brain got ahead of me fingers, meant Operating Current and Voltage Drop.

Wow, with all the engish teacher here I'm going to have to reread all me posts!