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Breadfan
03-27-07, 10:44 PM
I had a box of unmarked LED's, most of them were obvious as to what color they were, but I had a pile of clear LED's that were unknown as to what color they were.

Since most LED's run on around 3v, I found some spare parts in my electronics boxes, 2 AA batteries, and made an LED tester.

The batteries are in series routed to an on-off slider switch, which is connected to a salvaged 2-prong computer connector that makes the ideal plug for LED leads.

http://www.neuralimpulse.com/images/100_0835003.jpg

I found a generic black box and stuffed it in there, cutting holes in the side for the on/off switch and test lead. The AA batteries should last quite awhile testing LEDs.

http://www.neuralimpulse.com/images/100_0837005.jpg

http://www.neuralimpulse.com/images/100_0838006.jpg

Sorry for the blurry pics, I should've switched camera to Macro mode... :(

Oh and most of those clears were unremarkable green's...not more rare blue or white, and not super brights.
noxqzs
03-28-07, 06:34 PM
I love doing things like this.
apt403
03-28-07, 08:48 PM
Can you be a little more specific about the design? I just ordered a crap load of LEDs and a tester like this would come in handy.
zexmarquies01
03-29-07, 12:14 AM
Can you be a little more specific about the design? I just ordered a crap load of LEDs and a tester like this would come in handy.


there isn't much to the design really.

Take two AA batters. Each is rated at 1.5 volts each. Connect the two in a series connection. Then connect the batteries to a switch. Then the switch to a small plug-in thingy for LED's.

here is a quick diagram i made on paint. Its not pretty, but it gets the job done.
TempliNocturnus
03-29-07, 12:36 AM
Can't most LED's handle 9vs for very short periods of time? I'd just use a 9v battery, unless it's a very tiny LED :p
apt403
03-29-07, 07:44 AM
there isn't much to the design really.

Take two AA batters. Each is rated at 1.5 volts each. Connect the two in a series connection. Then connect the batteries to a switch. Then the switch to a small plug-in thingy for LED's.

here is a quick diagram i made on paint. Its not pretty, but it gets the job done.


Oh, ok. It makes perfect sence now, Thanks.

I didnt know the voltage of AA's, so I was thinking a resistor would be invovled somewhere.
thideras
03-29-07, 09:23 AM
Very slick.

I test mine in wall outlets to see what color they are!

</sarcasm>
IAmMoen
03-29-07, 09:35 AM
Very slick.

I test mine in wall outlets to see what color they are!

</sarcasm>

Well, what color they WERE

</retort>
thideras
03-29-07, 09:36 AM
Well, what color they WERE

</retort>

True...true...
Adragontattoo
03-29-07, 11:01 AM
Can't most LED's handle 9vs for very short periods of time? I'd just use a 9v battery, unless it's a very tiny LED :p

you ever smelt a burnt LED? You dont want to.

I have a spare PSU that powers fans for my audio gear. One molex is wired with a resistor for testing of LED's.
Murdochs_mad
03-29-07, 04:33 PM
One of those 3v motherboard (bios) batteries are a good power source + there smaller than AA's and + + if there from a mb ther rechargeable:)
pik4chu
03-30-07, 04:54 PM
pics in original post no worky :(
WarriorII
03-30-07, 06:23 PM
Oooooo NEW TOY for the Tool Box !!!!!

:D

Well done !
pik4chu
03-30-07, 06:51 PM
pics work now! very cool breadfan. Clever but simple and incredibly useful :)