Running lights wiring

[Guido SambucettiParticipant @guidosambucetti90794]

Hi,

I want to install running lights on my model of SS Escondido. Got the radio (an old Aristocraft/Hitec 7 channel), got the LEDs, got the resistors… but do I need a switch between the channel output at the receiver? Can anybody supply a diagram for a suggested wiring? I intend to feed the LEDs directly from the receiver battery, is that a correct approach? Needless to say, am not at my best with electronics…

 

Thanks a lot,

GUIDO.

[Guido SambucettiParticipant @guidosambucetti90794]

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

Guido, cant help with most of it, but the LED`s come in various voltages, and so you need to know what ones yours are , and then resistor up accordingly. I have just bought some for a boat, but I bought 12v ones (built in resistor) so i would not have to fiddle about. 60 Watt is the man for you I think. Ashley

[60wattParticipant @60watt]

 Nope!

Mark Scholten is the man:- 

 

http://www.onsemi.com/pub_link/Collateral/AND8109-D.PDF

 

Or Dan is the man :-

http://www.instructables.com/id/EK2XAPS11GEWOF2YSD/

use a 2n7000 or equivalent for Q2 and bc547,bc548 or bc549 for Q1 at <200 mA

 

Both of the above circuits cost an extra ten bob note but they regulate the current & brightness better than a fixed resistor.

 

Using a resistor to set the current…..

If you stack up the LEDS and bias the remaing 1 to 3 volts with  a resistor the brightness varies with voltage.If you use one resistor per LED the efficiency is low but brightness is stable.

There is nothing to stop you using the main battery as a supply.

 

[Guido SambucettiParticipant @guidosambucetti90794]

 

Well, that was fast! Thank you guys for your help, I think I´m on the right track now!

 

Cheers.

[John wilson 18Participant @johnwilson18]

Hello, I don't know if your problem has been solved. My LED is broken. Now I need to replace it. Please help me choose a device that suits me.

[Tim CooperParticipant @timcooper90034]

Guido

I have several models that have running lights and nav lights. I have used a small voltage reducer from Component Shop. This I connect to the main battery and adjust the output voltage using a small screwdriver. The ones I have used have a small display so you can see the input and output voltage. Cost about £5.

Hope this helps.

Tim

[Malcolm FraryParticipant @malcolmfrary95515]

Guido,

"but do I need a switch between the channel output at the receiver?"

Yes, its called a switcher. Plugs into the channel, takes information from the channel, and switches power according to those instructions. Receiver outputs are just information and effectively have zero power handling.

John,

"Hello, I don't know if your problem has been solved. My LED is broken. Now I need to replace it. Please help me choose a device that suits me."

Mostly a case of getting one the same size, shape and colour. Provided that the circuit supplying it was OK, and the replacement is fitted the same way round (the D in LED stands for Diode, indicating that they don't like having power the wrong way round), it will work. If the circuit supplies too much current, the new one will fail as well, same if the power is reversed. Without knowing the original device, its size and mounting and what circuit was controlling it, suggestions must be very general.

Tim,

A voltage reducer might help the choice of resistor, but running an LED without a ballast resistor is placing total reliance on pure luck. That luck will be helped by the possible inability of the voltage regulator to supply too much current. Things like LED key fob lights rely totally on the internal resistance of the button cell to do this job.

[Dave MilbournParticipant @davemilbourn48782]

Mr John Wilson 18

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