Large Scale Central

How many volts to light an LED headlight?

Electronics Power and Sound
#1

Sorry if this has been asked before but…

If I replace my loco incandescent bulb headlight with an LED, will it light up at full glow the minute it receives any amount of voltage, say like at startup?

What kind of LED should I use in my Bug Mauler and where do I get ‘em? Also, does anything else need to be wired in the circuit? Like a resistor, diode or sumthin’ ?

Thanks

#2

Joe Rusz said:

Sorry if this has been asked before but…

If I replace my loco incandescent bulb headlight with an LED, will it light up at full glow the minute it receives any amount of voltage, say like at startup?

What kind of LED should I use in my Bug Mauler and where do I get ‘em? Also, does anything else need to be wired in the circuit? Like a resistor, diode or sumthin’ ?

Thanks

Joe - diodes have a forward voltage rating - for white LEDs it is usually around 3 volts - as soon as that voltage is reached the LED will light. You do need to limit the current to the LED.

These articles should provide all the secret info that you need:

LED Related Articles:

Let me know if you have any questions.

dave

#3

Joe,

Here is a good source for “Ready To Use” LEDs. I’ve connected them directly to 24V. DCC and they work great. You don’t have to do any extra wiring.

http://www.modeltrainsoftware.com/bl-212.html

#4

Dan,

I run with track power 0-25 volts DC. The website says “these solid non-flashing LEDs will look great with 7-19 Volts of power input.” What happens below 7 VDC? Do they only come on at 7VDC or above?

#5

I should contact them and ask them to amplify their remarks about the voltage

#6

Ross,

I sent them a message, so let’s see what the response will be.

#7

Joe,

I haven’t run the LEDs at 7v. There web site shows a diesel headlight at 11v. looks bright!

#8

Shelly Jamison, Owner, Lead product development and testing person at www.modeltrainsoftware.com answered my question . She said “They come on at about 3 volts, but not as bright. The brightness from 7-19 is nice and even”.

Good enough for me. I’m going to order 5 of the universal LED’s.

#9

Thanks Joe…Confirms what I expected.

#10

David Bodnar said:

Joe Rusz said:

Sorry if this has been asked before but…

If I replace my loco incandescent bulb headlight with an LED, will it light up at full glow the minute it receives any amount of voltage, say like at startup?

What kind of LED should I use in my Bug Mauler and where do I get ‘em? Also, does anything else need to be wired in the circuit? Like a resistor, diode or sumthin’ ?

Thanks

Joe - diodes have a forward voltage rating - for white LEDs it is usually around 3 volts - as soon as that voltage is reached the LED will light. You do need to limit the current to the LED.

These articles should provide all the secret info that you need:

LED Related Articles:

Let me know if you have any questions.

dave

this link from David should be on a page for future help! It’s great, thank you again.