Constant-brightness lighting

[nedthomas]

Wire used to "wire wrap" printed citcuit boards is also good. It is #30 wire.

[Anonymous]

The magnet wire is almost as thin as a human hair. I used it to keep the size down. You could use thicker wire, up to doorbell or phone wire size (~24ga). I chose the magnet wire to keep the assembly small. Since the IC provides a constant 15ma current, you could probably wire the headlight and ditch lights in series (+)->IC->LED->LED->LED->(-).

[MACKINACMAC]

I like the pollensoftware solution to constant lighting. But I'm new to electronics and was wondering if you could attach two additional LEDs to one circuit for ditch lights or do you need a circuit for everyone LED.

Also, why is Magnetic wire suggested?

Thank you

[Anonymous]

You can even do the www.pollensoftware.com solution in N scale using surface mount devices. I bought the LEDs (and some magnet wire) from www.ngineering.com, and the ICs and resistors from www.mouser.com. The resistor is p/n "260-4.7-RC" . Solder the resistor between pins 2-3, run a magnet wire from pin 3 to the top of the IC, solder the magnet wire to one end of the LED and a 24ga copper wire "post" to the other end of the LED. Bind everything with epoxy, and substitute it for the headlight bulb. It required some cramming, but I was able to swap out the bulb in my new Life-Like FA-1. Remarkable difference.

[Anonymous]

Originally posted by nedthomas

To Don Frey. Jameco Electronics at www.jameco.com is a good source for the LM334.
Use a 4.7 ohm resistor for 15ma, 6.8 ohm for 10 ma, and 10 ohm for 8 ma. Hope this helps.

Thanks, Ned. I appreciate your help. I'll try Jameco for the parts needed.

Don[:)]

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