Silly question: Dim an LED?

[bluntman]

Is there an easy (non soldering) method to dim some LEDs? Everytime I open the drive door on my case the LEDs from my rheobus almost blind me, especially when the room is dark.

TIA

 

[acidpad]

could twist a resistor inline with it ... if your that against soldering i suppose

 

[Zepper]

Yup, the only way to do is put a resistor (preferably variable so you can adjust to taste) in series with the LED(s). Heat up the ol' solderin' arn...
..b.h.
:moon:

 

[cheapgoose]

or you can tape something over it.

 

[Mday]

altering the voltage\current characteristics of the circuit could also cause the wavelength of the light emitted to be different.

 

[huesmann]

Get some black paint.

 

[EeyoreX]

Which rheobus? On the chance that it is a Sunbeam, you can simply order some less "SuperBright" (they are NOT kidding. Dayum they are bright!!) LEDs and replace them. They are easy to replace with LEDs like these. They have them in a couple colors there, but you can find them all over the place.

Of course, if it's not a Sunbeam, I have no real idea other than resistors or paint/tape, unless the LEDs are easily changable.

\Dan

 

[bluntman]

Fortunately, it is a Sunbeam Rheobus Kit #2. I've never replaced LEDs before, is it difficult?

 

[HiTek21]

Replacing an LED is simple, just desolder the current one, match the polarity and solder the wires back.

 

[Mday]

Originally posted by: HiTek21
Replacing an LED is simple, just desolder the current one, match the polarity and solder the wires back.

you can also kill an LED or any attached parts if you dont be careful. it depends on how the LED is done.

why dont you just cover the LEDs.

blue and white LEDs are bright LEDs. much brighter than common red\green LEDs about 10x in terms of mcd. of course red\green LEDs also come as bright as blue and white LEDs.

if you truly want to dim the LEDs, you may use a VERY fine grit sand paper, like 1000 or 2000, and barely sand the plastic outside of the LED. this provide a some what frosted look and decrease the brightness permanently (or unless you repolish the plastic outside)