|  | Spicing up models can be done in many ways. I prefer using LEDs to add flaring engines, landing lights and even cockpit intrumentation.
On this page, I will try to explain some of the electronics I use for my models. |  | | | LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes)... | LEDs are my preferred way of lighting up a model. These little diodes come in a variety of sizes and colours, are cheap and last a long, long time.
I have a reasonable collection of LEDs safely tucked away in a drawer, so when the time comes I can light up a cockpit or engine on a particular model, I need only reach into my drawer and find the LED I need. I buy my LEDs online from LED1.de.
What you need to beware of is the fact that LEDs use a small amount of Volts. Most of the LEDs I use only take up about 2 to 3 Volts. Since I have all my models attached to a 12 Volt transformer, my input Voltage is a lot higher than the 2 or 3 Volts the LEDs require. If I hook them up to the 12 Volt power supply, they instantly burn out.
The most important thing with LEDs is getting the right resistor to go with it. To do so, you can use a simple formula to calculate the required Ohms:
(supply Voltage - Voltage of the LED) / current of the LED
Always use a resistor that has a little more Ohms than the outcome of the calculation. Here's an example:
I use a 12 Volt power supply and my LEDs are using 3.1 Volts. The current of most LEDs is 20 mA, so that would make 0.02. The calculation would lead up to 445 Ohms, this being the desired resistance of the resistor. Since there is no resistor of that particular value, I use resistors of 470 Ohms. | | | Resistors... | As said above, it is important to use the correct resistance when working with LEDs. It will keep your LEDs in working order for a long time and will not ruin your newly built model kits.
Resistors come in a variety of resistances. Be sure to calculate which ones you need and order a few more. In fact, order a bundle of each resistance. You never know when one comes in handy! Besides, they cost as little as 0.02 ct a piece! | |
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