LED Information

Printed From: the12volt.com
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=69403
Printed Date: May 15, 2025 at 7:30 PM

Topic: LED Information

Posted By: vibe03
Subject: LED Information
Date Posted: December 28, 2005 at 5:53 PM

2 questions:

1. Where can I get information (detailed) on LED's?

2. Does the resistor go on the + or - side of a component?

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ART

Replies:

Posted By: ff-mike
Date Posted: December 30, 2005 at 2:07 PM

1-What kind of info? Different LEDs have different specs
2-Either. Advanced circuits may have a reqt, but the simple ones generally fo not

Posted By: KPierson
Date Posted: December 30, 2005 at 6:51 PM

Contact the supplier of the LED for info. Keep in mind though that LEDs vary from one to another, even in the same batch, so the ratings are averages, not set in stone.

The resistor is only there to limit the current of the LED, so as long as its in the circuit it doesn't matter if its before or after the LED. Most people put the resistor on the positive side believe electrons flow from + to -, when in fact they actually flow from - to + (according to the electron theory) Glad to see some of that college education I'm still paying for is being used for something!

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Kevin Pierson

Posted By: vibe03
Date Posted: December 31, 2005 at 6:00 AM

Thanks for the info. I am just trying to learn more about LEDs. Like which ones to use and the different specs involved with LEDs.

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ART

Posted By: KPierson
Date Posted: December 31, 2005 at 8:56 AM

The two most important parimeters are the forward current and the viewing angle. I've honestly never worried about the forward voltage. If you supply the correct current things should be fine.

The viewing angle will determine how widely the light is diffused from the LED. The wider the viewing angle the more like a conventional light bulb the LED will act (and the more it will cost). LEDs typically have a very narrow light path, with the normal viewing angle being between 15-20 degrees. If you can find some 30-35 degree LEDs you'll notice a vast improvement in illumination.

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Kevin Pierson