Edit post

Edit your reply below.

Post Body
Enter your post below.
Just a correction here.... They are precisely what their name implies, a Light Emitting Diode. The vast majority of diodes do not emit light. LEDs a re very poor diodes. While a typical diode can pass an amp or more or current, most LEDs can only pass 30 milliamps. While a typical diode has a maximum reverse voltage of 100 or 400 volts, and LED can only withstand 30 volts or less. A typical diode has a forwward voltge drop of 0.6 volts. An LED has a voltage drop of between 1.6 and 12 volts, usually around 2 volts. LED's have been around for +25 years, but they started out as only being available in red and not very bright.. Boring for sure, but very useful. A major breakthrough came when they could make green LEDs. Everyone thought WOW! Only recently have they made available white LEDs. They cost a LOT more than the red or green ones, 20 or 30 times more. They've also made higher power units with a LOT more brightness. Mark in Utah
Tags (Optional)
Tags are keywords that get attached to your post. They are used to categorize your submission and make it easier to search for. To add tags to your post type a tag into the box below and click the "Add Tag" button.
Add Tag

Update Reply

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Model Railroader Newsletter See all

Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!