TUTORIAL: How to wire SMD LEDs.....

[- Z -]

Had to figure this out myself and I burned probably about 5 of these suckers just trying to get it right. I am sure Big Hank has a much more efficient way and I would glaldy bow to his expert if he chooses to add anything! (*hint* *hint*)

Anyway, here we go:































If anyone has any questions please feel free to ask!! I hope this helps someone.

[frenzyrumble]

very nice tutorial. Where can I get wiring like that? I tried Radio Shack, but they only had thicker stuff. Probably ebay? You can find everything on ebay

[- Z -]

Thanks....

I get all of mine here:

http://www.tcsdcc.com/Tools_and_Supp...uge%20wire.htm

I believe they are in Jersey so shipping takes NO time for us!

[mswi]

excellent tutorial, never used SMD's before, whats the power requirement?

[N5omniac]

Great Tut!!!

I do have a n00bish question about LEDs, and instead of starting a new topic I'll just drop em here...

Now that you have soldered you SMD (or LED) now you apply a resistor (when needed)
My question is: whats the best way to calculate the proper resistor?

Example:
I'm installing 2 5mm 8,000MCD White LEDs and 2 3mm 5,000MCD Red LEDs to a build, using CR2016 Lithium (watch) 3v Cell Batteries.
how would I go about figuring which resistors to use, not only to keep the LEDs from getting too hot, but to limit my battery usage. Two batteries per LED work great, but I dont want to use 8 batts. (im assuming the LEDs are any where from 3-3.6V, im not sure)

[speedleescustoms]

this is fantastic ! just wat i needed as i'm figuring out how to insert leds into some of my customs... although as much as i still can't quite get it, i'll read it again and again... Thanks for sharing !

[- Z -]

Great Tut!!!

I do have a n00bish question about LEDs, and instead of starting a new topic I'll just drop em here...

Now that you have soldered you SMD (or LED) now you apply a resistor (when needed)
My question is: whats the best way to calculate the proper resistor?

Example:
I'm installing 2 5mm 8,000MCD White LEDs and 2 3mm 5,000MCD Red LEDs to a build, using CR2016 Lithium (watch) 3v Cell Batteries.
how would I go about figuring which resistors to use, not only to keep the LEDs from getting too hot, but to limit my battery usage. Two batteries per LED work great, but I dont want to use 8 batts. (im assuming the LEDs are any where from 3-3.6V, im not sure)

That is a question I can not answer..... Big Hank should be able to though. Maybe give us a rule of thumb.....

I will PM him to come answer.

[N5omniac]

That is a question I can not answer..... Big Hank should be able to though. Maybe give us a rule of thumb.....

I will PM him to come answer.

cool.. I will share what I learned from another forum.. another Master of this art shared his lil secret...

http://led.linear1.org/led.wiz

I've played around with this and man it's helped.. specially for those who scratch their heads on the subject (and trust me, I think I made a bald spot!)
even gives diagrams in various forms <for those that do better with pictures than words!>
just make sure you click the "?" next to the items...they kinda give you a cheat sheet; but I would still like to hear Big Hank's answer...can't have too many right answers.

Oh, and I just received an order of SMDs and man! Pictures do no justice.. these things are TINY!!!! I think Rick Moranis shrunk these lil babies!!!

[zfeakye]

Hi, am a custom newbie..would like to findout more on the wiring LEDs to the TFs...normally how to you house the LED and especially the battery pack? take ROTF ravage for example...i can put the LED in the eye but i'm cracking over how to install the battery and the switch...do i have to break into the chest? if so , then it would not be able to transform already? please advice...thanks

[C.dizel]

this tutorial looks real informative, can't wait till I get some more work done on my Omega Supreme custom, this will def come in handy