what voltage do these want?

greencactus3 · 06-02-2008, 12:58 AM

took apart my 4x4 switch today,
wiring them would be a breeze, but while im at it, if i wanted to use these LEDs in there, what voltage do they want?

old_skool_noma · 06-02-2008, 04:35 AM

1st question, why do you have a 4x4 switch?

dngrous_dime · 06-02-2008, 11:31 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by old_skool_noma

1st question, why do you have a 4x4 switch?

My guess would be for his train horns, and up/down on his dumpbed.

old_skool_noma · 06-02-2008, 11:34 AM

good point

greencactus3 · 06-02-2008, 12:13 PM

i got 4x4 on my longbed. didnt you know?

dngrous_dime · 06-02-2008, 12:17 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by greencactus3

i got 4x4 on my longbed. didnt you know?

kewl, how much does that affect your handling?

old_skool_noma · 06-02-2008, 05:06 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by greencactus3

i got 4x4 on my longbed. didnt you know?

orly chain or belt drive? :P

greencactus3 · 06-02-2008, 05:23 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by old_skool_noma

orly chain or belt drive? :P

i have a couple roly-polys powering each wheel. so neither

SgtM · 06-02-2008, 09:45 PM

Really, it depends on the manufacturer of the LED's, but you'll probably be safe with 3.5v @ 20-25mA

greencactus3 · 06-02-2008, 10:13 PM

damn. im too lazy to look it up. what size resistor do i want to get a 12v (14v) down to a 3.5v?

SgtM · 06-03-2008, 05:01 AM

According to http://led.linear1.org/1led.wiz?VS=12;VF=3.5;ID=20, you'll need a 1/2 W (470 ohm) resistor per LED. That's assuming they're 3.5v @ 20mA.

roadlet_411 · 06-03-2008, 06:03 AM

Led's should want 1.5vdc

greencactus3 · 06-03-2008, 11:53 AM

uhoh...
how do i know?

roadlet_411 · 06-03-2008, 01:19 PM

Look at the description of these led's. It can give you an idea of voltage and power usage.

Standard LED's:
http://www.jameco.com/webapp/wcs/sto...0& rscount=12

Older led's pretty much did well with 1.5vdc. Like any electrical component, you can give it a little extra juice to get more work out of it, but you run the risk of damaging it or shortening it's life.

You could get fancy and get small potentiometers so you'd have adjustable voltage to the led's... lol.

Here's a nice calculator for led's. Even gives some suggestions on input voltages for LED colors and power usage of the LED's.

http://ledcalc.com/

greencactus3 · 06-04-2008, 01:07 AM

i guess ill start off with feeding them 1.5V, and if it seems too dim i can step down the resistors
thanks!

SgtM · 06-04-2008, 01:26 AM

Don't be surprised if they don't light with 1.5v. Where did you get the LED's from, and what color are they?

greencactus3 · 06-04-2008, 01:56 AM

uhhh the stock 4x4 switch LEDs....... as pictured in post #1

TokoDragon · 06-04-2008, 06:03 AM

I wanted to change the LEDS in my actual 4x4 switch, but I heard it was hard, guess I was right huh?

But if you want that old "LED DASH LIGHT" how to thread lists the requirements for the 4x4 switch lights, and he said something about having to remove the covers on the buttons because they have a yellow screen there to dim and color the 4x4 lights.

Pretty sure that thread was on s10 forum... if not it was zr2usa I saw it...

greencactus3 · 06-04-2008, 11:00 AM

im fine with the 'stock' color of them.
and changing LEDs would be easy. just a matter of knowing what to replace them with....
just snip, and solder.

***AVS_JEFF*** · 06-06-2008, 04:16 AM

My guess is that the circuit already has a dropped down voltage. They have probably ran them in series. Follow the traces and see if a trace from the main connector plug runs into one side of one LED then out the other side to the second LED and then out of the other side of LED #2 to one side of LED #3. If so, then they are in series and this drops the voltage to each light. If so, you can just solder in your new ones without any resistors. You will need to know which side if the factory circuits are +/- by having them on and using a digital volt meter. On your new LEDs the longer lead will be your + side and the short lead (or leg) is the negative side. Most high output LEDs nowadays have a 2 to 5 forward voltage.

roadlet_411 · 06-06-2008, 05:33 AM

if they are led's then they will already have their voltage dropped.

greencactus3 · 06-06-2008, 11:29 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by AVS_JEFF

My guess is that the circuit already has a dropped down voltage. They have probably ran them in series. Follow the traces and see if a trace from the main connector plug runs into one side of one LED then out the other side to the second LED and then out of the other side of LED #2 to one side of LED #3. If so, then they are in series and this drops the voltage to each light. If so, you can just solder in your new ones without any resistors. You will need to know which side if the factory circuits are +/- by having them on and using a digital volt meter. On your new LEDs the longer lead will be your + side and the short lead (or leg) is the negative side. Most high output LEDs nowadays have a 2 to 5 forward voltage.

i dont think they are in series... doesnt the stock wiring make it so only the 'selected' button lights up? ive never had a 4x4 but that would make sense.

i cant follow the traces as it goes behind the board... and i cant take it off from fear of breaking it for now.

new LEDs? i have no plans on replacing them

thanks, but i dont think its getting anywhere... i installed them ignoring the LEDs for now, and ill play around with them later on when i have more time

Slow_S10 · 08-04-2008, 04:02 PM

Ryo, maybe you can help me out with this. I have a 4x4 control that I plan on using in my truck also for some accessories but I can't seem to figure out how the buttons are wired up. I must have spend a good half hour last night with the multimeter trying to figure it out. You didn't happen to document which wires do what did you? I'm not too concerned about the lights right now I would just like to get the switches to work.

Oh and I have the 4 button control I don't know if that would make a difference. Right now just being pointed in the right direction would really help. Thanks!

greencactus3 · 08-04-2008, 06:31 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Slow_S10

Ryo, maybe you can help me out with this. I have a 4x4 control that I plan on using in my truck also for some accessories but I can't seem to figure out how the buttons are wired up. I must have spend a good half hour last night with the multimeter trying to figure it out. You didn't happen to document which wires do what did you? I'm not too concerned about the lights right now I would just like to get the switches to work.

Oh and I have the 4 button control I don't know if that would make a difference. Right now just being pointed in the right direction would really help. Thanks!

no, no documentation but i found thisfrom my photobucket

it shouldnt be too hard to figure out with a multimeter. you just have to follow the traces.

they all have a common, see green wire

and then the other ends are separate. (obviously)

Slow_S10 · 08-04-2008, 08:30 PM

Awesome! That is exactly what I needed to know. I'm going to go mess with mine right now. Thank you!

raven2510 · 08-05-2008, 09:28 PM

if your gonna change the color...its easy. the leds there just need removed and new ones put in....and the blue bulb needs a resistor and thats it. i changed mine and it looks a million times better

xtrememeasures10 · 08-07-2008, 01:44 PM

Just plug it back in and make them light, then take a meter to them and see what there input voltage is. get your reading from where the leds are soldered into the board.

Mikz86TA · 08-07-2008, 02:12 PM

LED voltages vary. But the tech sheets on most of the ones I buy in bulk are 3.2v - 3.8v. There is a Max, Nominal and Min voltage. The higher the volts the brighter the LED will be but it wont last as long.

What color do those light up? Amber?

06-02-2008, 12:58 AM	#1
greencactus3 bellcranks no more Age: 21 Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 22,986 Location: ann arbor, mi User is: OffLine	what voltage do these want? took apart my 4x4 switch today, wiring them would be a breeze, but while im at it, if i wanted to use these LEDs in there, what voltage do they want?
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06-02-2008, 04:35 AM	#2
old_skool_noma Distracted Longbed Driver Age: 20 Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 5,425 Location: Heath/Newark, OH User is: OffLine	Re: what voltage do these want? 1st question, why do you have a 4x4 switch?
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06-02-2008, 11:31 AM	#3
dngrous_dime VVV Jackass VVV Age: 28 Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 11,605 Location: Kalkaskama, MI 49646 User is: Online	Re: what voltage do these want? Quote: Originally Posted by old_skool_noma 1st question, why do you have a 4x4 switch? My guess would be for his train horns, and up/down on his dumpbed.
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06-02-2008, 11:34 AM	#4
old_skool_noma Distracted Longbed Driver Age: 20 Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 5,425 Location: Heath/Newark, OH User is: OffLine	Re: what voltage do these want? good point
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06-02-2008, 12:13 PM	#5
greencactus3 bellcranks no more Age: 21 Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 22,986 Location: ann arbor, mi User is: OffLine	Re: what voltage do these want? i got 4x4 on my longbed. didnt you know?
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06-02-2008, 12:17 PM	#6
dngrous_dime VVV Jackass VVV Age: 28 Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 11,605 Location: Kalkaskama, MI 49646 User is: Online	Re: what voltage do these want? Quote: Originally Posted by greencactus3 i got 4x4 on my longbed. didnt you know? kewl, how much does that affect your handling?
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06-02-2008, 05:06 PM	#7
old_skool_noma Distracted Longbed Driver Age: 20 Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 5,425 Location: Heath/Newark, OH User is: OffLine	Re: what voltage do these want? Quote: Originally Posted by greencactus3 i got 4x4 on my longbed. didnt you know? orly chain or belt drive? :P
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06-02-2008, 05:23 PM	#8
greencactus3 bellcranks no more Age: 21 Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 22,986 Location: ann arbor, mi User is: OffLine	Re: what voltage do these want? Quote: Originally Posted by old_skool_noma orly chain or belt drive? :P i have a couple roly-polys powering each wheel. so neither
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06-02-2008, 09:45 PM	#9
SgtM Educating da masses Age: 33 Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 1,387 Location: Niles, OH User is: OffLine	Re: what voltage do these want? Really, it depends on the manufacturer of the LED's, but you'll probably be safe with 3.5v @ 20-25mA
	[Reply w/Quote]

06-02-2008, 10:13 PM	#10
greencactus3 bellcranks no more Age: 21 Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 22,986 Location: ann arbor, mi User is: OffLine	Re: what voltage do these want? damn. im too lazy to look it up. what size resistor do i want to get a 12v (14v) down to a 3.5v?
	[Reply w/Quote]

06-03-2008, 05:01 AM	#11
SgtM Educating da masses Age: 33 Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 1,387 Location: Niles, OH User is: OffLine	Re: what voltage do these want? According to http://led.linear1.org/1led.wiz?VS=12;VF=3.5;ID=20, you'll need a 1/2 W (470 ohm) resistor per LED. That's assuming they're 3.5v @ 20mA.
	[Reply w/Quote]

06-03-2008, 06:03 AM	#12
roadlet_411 JDepp FTMFW!!! Age: 26 Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 2,299 Location: Alton, IL User is: OffLine	Re: what voltage do these want? Led's should want 1.5vdc
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06-03-2008, 11:53 AM	#13
greencactus3 bellcranks no more Age: 21 Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 22,986 Location: ann arbor, mi User is: OffLine	Re: what voltage do these want? uhoh... how do i know?
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06-03-2008, 01:19 PM	#14
roadlet_411 JDepp FTMFW!!! Age: 26 Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 2,299 Location: Alton, IL User is: OffLine	Re: what voltage do these want? Look at the description of these led's. It can give you an idea of voltage and power usage. Standard LED's: http://www.jameco.com/webapp/wcs/sto...0& rscount=12 Older led's pretty much did well with 1.5vdc. Like any electrical component, you can give it a little extra juice to get more work out of it, but you run the risk of damaging it or shortening it's life. You could get fancy and get small potentiometers so you'd have adjustable voltage to the led's... lol. Here's a nice calculator for led's. Even gives some suggestions on input voltages for LED colors and power usage of the LED's. http://ledcalc.com/
	[Reply w/Quote]

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06-04-2008, 01:07 AM	#15
greencactus3 bellcranks no more Age: 21 Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 22,986 Location: ann arbor, mi User is: OffLine	Re: what voltage do these want? i guess ill start off with feeding them 1.5V, and if it seems too dim i can step down the resistors thanks!
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06-04-2008, 01:26 AM	#16
SgtM Educating da masses Age: 33 Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 1,387 Location: Niles, OH User is: OffLine	Re: what voltage do these want? Don't be surprised if they don't light with 1.5v. Where did you get the LED's from, and what color are they?
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06-04-2008, 01:56 AM	#17
greencactus3 bellcranks no more Age: 21 Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 22,986 Location: ann arbor, mi User is: OffLine	Re: what voltage do these want? uhhh the stock 4x4 switch LEDs....... as pictured in post #1
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06-04-2008, 06:03 AM	#18
TokoDragon ZR2 mini-truckin' Age: 20 Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 1,078 Location: Idaho User is: OffLine	Re: what voltage do these want? I wanted to change the LEDS in my actual 4x4 switch, but I heard it was hard, guess I was right huh? But if you want that old "LED DASH LIGHT" how to thread lists the requirements for the 4x4 switch lights, and he said something about having to remove the covers on the buttons because they have a yellow screen there to dim and color the 4x4 lights. Pretty sure that thread was on s10 forum... if not it was zr2usa I saw it...
	[Reply w/Quote]

06-04-2008, 11:00 AM	#19
greencactus3 bellcranks no more Age: 21 Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 22,986 Location: ann arbor, mi User is: OffLine	Re: what voltage do these want? im fine with the 'stock' color of them. and changing LEDs would be easy. just a matter of knowing what to replace them with.... just snip, and solder.
	[Reply w/Quote]

06-06-2008, 04:16 AM	#20
*AVS_JEFF* *JACOBY* Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 453 Location: Central, Cali User is: OffLine	Re: what voltage do these want? My guess is that the circuit already has a dropped down voltage. They have probably ran them in series. Follow the traces and see if a trace from the main connector plug runs into one side of one LED then out the other side to the second LED and then out of the other side of LED #2 to one side of LED #3. If so, then they are in series and this drops the voltage to each light. If so, you can just solder in your new ones without any resistors. You will need to know which side if the factory circuits are +/- by having them on and using a digital volt meter. On your new LEDs the longer lead will be your + side and the short lead (or leg) is the negative side. Most high output LEDs nowadays have a 2 to 5 forward voltage.
	[Reply w/Quote]

06-06-2008, 05:33 AM	#21
roadlet_411 JDepp FTMFW!!! Age: 26 Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 2,299 Location: Alton, IL User is: OffLine	Re: what voltage do these want? if they are led's then they will already have their voltage dropped.
	[Reply w/Quote]

06-06-2008, 11:29 AM	#22
greencactus3 bellcranks no more Age: 21 Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 22,986 Location: ann arbor, mi User is: OffLine	Re: what voltage do these want? Quote: Originally Posted by AVS_JEFF My guess is that the circuit already has a dropped down voltage. They have probably ran them in series. Follow the traces and see if a trace from the main connector plug runs into one side of one LED then out the other side to the second LED and then out of the other side of LED #2 to one side of LED #3. If so, then they are in series and this drops the voltage to each light. If so, you can just solder in your new ones without any resistors. You will need to know which side if the factory circuits are +/- by having them on and using a digital volt meter. On your new LEDs the longer lead will be your + side and the short lead (or leg) is the negative side. Most high output LEDs nowadays have a 2 to 5 forward voltage. i dont think they are in series... doesnt the stock wiring make it so only the 'selected' button lights up? ive never had a 4x4 but that would make sense. i cant follow the traces as it goes behind the board... and i cant take it off from fear of breaking it for now. new LEDs? i have no plans on replacing them thanks, but i dont think its getting anywhere... i installed them ignoring the LEDs for now, and ill play around with them later on when i have more time
	[Reply w/Quote]

08-04-2008, 04:02 PM	#23
Slow_S10 I Type Slow Too... Age: 26 Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 1,142 Location: Chesapeake, VA User is: OffLine	Re: what voltage do these want? Ryo, maybe you can help me out with this. I have a 4x4 control that I plan on using in my truck also for some accessories but I can't seem to figure out how the buttons are wired up. I must have spend a good half hour last night with the multimeter trying to figure it out. You didn't happen to document which wires do what did you? I'm not too concerned about the lights right now I would just like to get the switches to work. Oh and I have the 4 button control I don't know if that would make a difference. Right now just being pointed in the right direction would really help. Thanks!
	[Reply w/Quote]

08-04-2008, 06:31 PM	#24
greencactus3 bellcranks no more Age: 21 Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 22,986 Location: ann arbor, mi User is: OffLine	Re: what voltage do these want? Quote: Originally Posted by Slow_S10 Ryo, maybe you can help me out with this. I have a 4x4 control that I plan on using in my truck also for some accessories but I can't seem to figure out how the buttons are wired up. I must have spend a good half hour last night with the multimeter trying to figure it out. You didn't happen to document which wires do what did you? I'm not too concerned about the lights right now I would just like to get the switches to work. Oh and I have the 4 button control I don't know if that would make a difference. Right now just being pointed in the right direction would really help. Thanks! no, no documentation but i found thisfrom my photobucket it shouldnt be too hard to figure out with a multimeter. you just have to follow the traces. they all have a common, see green wire and then the other ends are separate. (obviously)
	[Reply w/Quote]

08-04-2008, 08:30 PM	#25
Slow_S10 I Type Slow Too... Age: 26 Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 1,142 Location: Chesapeake, VA User is: OffLine	Re: what voltage do these want? Awesome! That is exactly what I needed to know. I'm going to go mess with mine right now. Thank you!
	[Reply w/Quote]

08-05-2008, 09:28 PM	#26
raven2510 NESS NOOB!! Age: 21 Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 780 Location: Omaha, Nebraska User is: OffLine	Re: what voltage do these want? if your gonna change the color...its easy. the leds there just need removed and new ones put in....and the blue bulb needs a resistor and thats it. i changed mine and it looks a million times better
	[Reply w/Quote]

08-07-2008, 01:44 PM	#27
xtrememeasures10 Xtreme Measures Age: 22 Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 1,398 Location: St Louis Area User is: OffLine	Re: what voltage do these want? Just plug it back in and make them light, then take a meter to them and see what there input voltage is. get your reading from where the leds are soldered into the board. Last edited by xtrememeasures10 : 08-07-2008 at 01:45 PM.
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08-07-2008, 02:12 PM	#28
Mikz86TA Registered User Age: 33 Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 697 Location: Tallahassee, Florida User is: OffLine	Re: what voltage do these want? LED voltages vary. But the tech sheets on most of the ones I buy in bulk are 3.2v - 3.8v. There is a Max, Nominal and Min voltage. The higher the volts the brighter the LED will be but it wont last as long. What color do those light up? Amber?
	[Reply w/Quote]