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Need help with basic circuit for LEDs

C

crumpet19

Platinum Member
Heres the skinny:
I'm not too savvy on LEDs and circuits...

Application: I'd like to build a light setup for the inside of my truck box so that when I close the lid the lights go off but when i open it the lights (presumably 4 LEDs) come on to illuminate the inside of the box. I intend to do this using a 12v current from the battery and a momentary switch to open/close the circuit.

The part I'm having problems with:
I'm not sure what LEDs to use. I'm not sure what/how many/if any resistors to put inline with the LEDs.

If anyone has any suggestions or could help me design a simple circuit, please help!

-Thanks,
chris
 
when you get the leds, they will have a specified turn-on voltage (usually 1.7volts). depending on the voltage the leds need, you may or may not need resistors to reach that voltage.

edit: you should not wire them in parallel, series will be better.
 
+----|>|----|>|----|>|----|>|---xxx----+ ground
12v..led......led.....led......led... 220ohms resistor

the whole thing will draw ~20mA of current from the battery
 
Originally posted by: vshah
+----|>|----|>|----|>|----|>|---xxx----+ ground
12v..led......led.....led......led... 220ohms resistor

the whole thing will draw ~20mA of current from the battery
Click to expand...

Where |>| = LED and xxx = 220ohm resistor?
Should I ground this to the frame or back to the - battery terminal? (I'm guessing frame)

And thanks so much for your help!
 
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