Is it possible to run LEDs on the same wiring as miniature incandescent bulbs? So far all my lights have been grain of rice bulbs, mainly because I can fit them into scale (or near scale) fixtures. But there are some places where I could get away with using LEDs.
I’m running 12v dc power to the lights, so I assume I’d need some kind of resistor on each LED. Would this screw things up for the regular lights? If not, what size resistor would I need?
You can run LED’s and incandescent bulbs together but they must be wired in parallel. Assuming an average LED current of 20 milliamps, each LED would need a 600 ohm resistor in series with it.
All Electronics has LED’s with a built in resistor for 12 v DC.
http://www.allelectronics.com/make-a-store/item/LED-12W/12V-WHITE-DIFFUSED-LED-5MM-T1-3/4/1.html
And/or if you can get hold of any sign lighting modules, they have 3 bright white LEDS in a plastic case with some electronics (I have no idea why they need more than a resistor) built-in and wire leads attached. Amazon has a string of 10 for $20
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41QiztZlW%2BL.SS400.jpg)
Ray,
Check out Model Train Software. Their LEDs come in many configurations. I use the Universal LEDs for Transformers and are ready to use. They already have the appropriate resistor built in. They rate them at 7v. to 19v. but come in the package rated up to 25volt. Here’s the link.
Thanks for the info!