First Timer LED/Resistor question

EvanW

Well-Known Member

• Feb 21, 2009

• #1

Hi All,

I am about to try my first lighting project. I was wondering if anyone can tell me if the resistor gets soldered to a (long) or k (short) end of the led. The resistors were so cheap that I'm going to solder one to each led.

Thanks,

Evan

 

feek61

Sr Member

• Feb 21, 2009

• #2

The resistor should go to the short (negative) side. Here is a site that may be helpful if you are using multiple LEDs.

http://led.linear1.org/led.wiz

Here is a great site with a super variety of LEDs in different colors and viewing angles (they are cheap too):

http://www.superbrightleds.com/index.htm

LEDs are pretty easy to work with and fun, lol. Good luck!



Will

 

Last edited: Feb 21, 2009

EvanW

Well-Known Member

• Feb 21, 2009

• #3

Thanks for the help!

Evan

 

masterjedi322

Master Member

RPF PREMIUM MEMBER

• Feb 21, 2009

• #4

It doesn't really matter what lead it's on as long as they're in series. The resistor should limit the current no matter what side of the diode it's on.

See Kirchhoff's Current Law for more information.

Sean

 

feek61

Sr Member

• Feb 21, 2009

• #5

True but it's a good habit to keep them consistant. It avoids problems :lol

 

EvanW

Well-Known Member

• Feb 24, 2009

• #6

Thanks for the replies I found these:

http://www.besthongkong.com/product...d=478&osCsid=1c202befa2dcb6115cc5bbffa49bbe80

I ordered up a bunch to try them out.

Evan

 

Replicator1701

Well-Known Member

• Feb 24, 2009

• #7

Ebay is the way to go.
I don't know how they can sell them so cheap.