I am currently building a docking unit for my empeg and wanted to include a power LED on it. I have no idea when it comes to electronics so was wondering what i need to do? Can i just get a 12V led (empeg power unit is 15v) and run it straight from that or will i need any resistors or anything? i really dont have a clue :)

Thanks

Hello,

If you get hold of a normal LED, they'll normaly draw about 15mAmps, and they will normally need around 2Volts.

So you can use the following formula to calculate the size of the resistor needed.

R = U / I

R = Resistanse of your resistor. (What you will calculate)
U = Voltage over the resistor, around 10volts if you have a 12volts supply. (Since the LED will use 2 volts)
I = 15mAmps. (Aproximate value for a LED)


R=10/15ma = 666,67 Ohms

Put a resistor of 670Ohms in serial with the LED and connect it to a 12V supply.

I guess a 1Kohm resistor will be OK for 12-16V supplies, might be easier find around too.

Hope this helps.

TommyE

thats great! thanks very much. Think ill try and learn some basic electronics sometime. Will post some pics of the docking unit once ive finished it.

Thanks again.