3v LED on 12v?

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Forum Name: Lights, Neon, LEDs, HIDs
Forum Discription: Under Car Lighting, Strobe Lights, Fog Lights, Headlights, HIDs, DRL, Tail Lights, Brake Lights, Dashboard Lights, WigWag, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=36980
Printed Date: May 09, 2025 at 2:47 PM

Topic: 3v LED on 12v?

Posted By: defaz
Subject: 3v LED on 12v?
Date Posted: August 07, 2004 at 10:00 PM

I have a little compass that I would like to make light up when my headlights are on.

I have a little LED that I mounted inside the compass, and it's all ready to go, ecxept it's only a 3v (maybe a little more, but it lights fine at 3v).

What can I run inline to the LED to convert the 12v load I will be giving it down to about 3v?

My experiments so far have cost be a handful of blown LEDs. posted_image

Thanks for any help...

Replies:

Posted By: xetmes
Date Posted: August 07, 2004 at 10:11 PM

lol you just need a resistor, depends on the current draw. 470 ohm will probably be fine...

Posted By: defaz
Date Posted: August 08, 2004 at 3:07 AM

Thanks for the help.. I may not be too good with voltage/amperage conversions and all that, but I can make a mean bowl of chili...

eeh no I cant really do that either.

Posted By: lilboi
Date Posted: August 08, 2004 at 3:45 AM

Yea 470 will assure that it won't blow. If you want it brighter you can drop down to probably 350, but don't go much lower then that.

Posted By: defaz
Date Posted: August 08, 2004 at 8:24 PM

Thanks for the help... Got it all wired up today and now I'm rollin custom style with a lighted compass.

BLING BLING!! Now all I need is a chain steering wheel and a jesus sticker and I'M SET!

(maybe some wavy velour seat covers.....mmmmmmm)

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