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Old 04-29-2008, 07:21 AM   #6 (permalink)
magnethead
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Re: I need a circuit board builders .02

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ssrogg View Post
Ya know? That's some cool stuff. Bummer it's all greek to me. lol

As I said, circuitry is not something I've ever done. But it has enough promise, I think I need to learn more. I actually understood most of the schematic on Aaroncake, but would have no clue how the heck to put that onto a board. And now clue if it would work with 50-100 SMD LED in a string. Looks like it would be cheap to build, though. Most of the SMD LED are 50 cents USD or less, and the components on that board probably don't add up to $10. I like the idea of using a simple pot to adjust chase rate, too. Can see one possible(?) issue, circuit shows a 9v input, not 12v.

And those strips I linked are 2 wire. Could be an issue. Doubt I could use them, though they'd be the easiest answer.

Things to ponder. Glad I have time on this one.

Eric

P.S. Could someone explain what they mean when talking about Anode and Cathode in wiring LEDs??? = )
I learned out of books, of all things. Very little hands on.

LED (light Emitting Diodes)- Diodes are electronic check valves. Electricity will only flow through them one way. Therefor, you have to check which way you install them in a circuit. Another note for diodes, is for a non-lighting diode, there is a 0.6 volt drop. The Anode and Cathodes of an LED are just it's positive side and negative sides. Their location from the flat spot is how you identify them.

Transistor- A transistor is a flow gate. All basic transistors have the same design- electricity flows from one outer peg to the other. But the middle peg decides if it flows or not. If the middle lead does not have any voltage going to it, electriciy will not flow through the transistor, and vise versa. Although some do the opposite effect- will not flow with an active center.

Though the schematic shows a 9 volt input, a 12 could be used, but you'd have to check the ratings for the IC's and NAND gates (basically special transistors).
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