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LED question

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  • Member since
    January 2008
  • From: florida
  • 276 posts
LED question
Posted by subman on Thursday, December 4, 2008 11:13 AM

When referring to LED`s what does viewing angle mean and what intensity is a good amount of light? Thanks

Bob D As long as you surface as many times as you dive you`ll be alive to read these posts.

  • Member since
    October 2004
  • From: Colorful Colorado
  • 8,639 posts
Posted by Texas Zepher on Thursday, December 4, 2008 2:15 PM

subman
When referring to LED`s what does viewing angle mean?

Some LEDs produce light that only shows directly out from the top of the LED.  LEDs with wider viewing angles simply means one can see the light further and further from looking straight down into it.  That is, very wide viewing angles will glow out of the side of the LED.

Can't answer the other question.  I just try different resistors until I get the intensity I desire for a given application.  Many model railroading applications do not need the ultra-bright intensity.

  • Member since
    October 2006
  • From: Western, MA
  • 8,571 posts
Posted by richg1998 on Thursday, December 4, 2008 3:30 PM

 Most LEDs are rated at 20ma max. I run most of mine at 10ma. There is a little difference in intensity. I usually start with 1k and go down to maybe 680 ohms. At 650 ohms the current is usually around 15 ma. I like to experiment until I get the intensity I like.

Rich

If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.

Dub
  • Member since
    July 2008
  • From: Seacoast, New Hampshire
  • 224 posts
Posted by Dub on Friday, December 5, 2008 11:31 AM

Common Radio Shack packaged are around 2000 to 4000 mcd, see the package. I went to a 6000 mcd to get a bright headlight using O scale AC. Now they are more brighter and more expensive. The latest is surface mount. Very small and ideal for lighting bought premounted because of the size.

Bob

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