Not a network problem, but I bet you can help.... 4

[SteveAudus]

Sorry this have nothing to network cabling but I bet someone out there could help.

It's a bit of a electrical problem.

I want to fit about 10 LEDs into a wall before it is pastured, these will be lit from a replaceable battery, outside of the wall.

How would I wire the diodes in parallel so if one failed,
then they all wouldn't fail?

Cause once they are set into the wall they are in there for life.

Thanks for any help,
I couldn't find a electrical forum.

Steve

http://www.chaucer.sheffield.sch.uk

 

[robertjo24]

Wire all the LED's anodes together, and attach to the + side of the battery. Attach a dropping resistor to each LED's cathode. The size of the resistor will be determined by the type of LED and the battery voltage. If you look at the spec sheet on the LED you wish to use, it should list resistor values for various standard battery voltages. Then tie all the ends of the resistors together, and connect to the - side of your battery.

Our of curiosity, what are you puting together?

 

[wires]

Don't put wiring in walls!!! Failure is bound to occur and repair is quite difficult.

The way this sort of effect is usually done is with fiber optics set in the wall or ceiling and fed from a remote light source.

Here are some links:

http://www.fiberoptix.com/products/star-ceilings.html

http://www.acousticinnovations.com/fiber_optics.htm

http://www.pegasusassociates.com/products/FiberOpticLighting/FiberOpticLighting.html

 

[SteveAudus]

Thank you for your suggestion wires,
I will look into the fiber option, you are correct it would be a better solution but it may be too expensive.

Robert,

I am not sure I follow your suggestion,

So get a resistor and solder it across the two wires from the LED, then wire them all in serial, then if one diode dies, the circuit is not broken. Is that correct?

What am I putting together is....

We have an old wooden banister, running around our landing at the top of our stairs, which we are boxing in with plaster board then plastering it for a smooth finish, set into the banister will be 15 clear glass bricks (15cm by 15cm). I have discovered that these can be lit very well with a single LED placed at the side/top or Bottom of the brick. This gives a very gently, warm and modern lighting effect. (I think I have too much time on my hands)

What do you think?

Cheers,
Steve

http://www.chaucer.sheffield.sch.uk

 

[ISDNman]

Nope, Robert is saying ware them in parallel. Each LED should have it's own resistor.

 

[robertjo24]

Paralell is correct.
The resistor is for voltage drop/current limiting, and will keep one shorted LED from killing the entire lot.

The project seems like fun. Let us know how it turns out.

 

[fromill]

Some auto parts stores sell LED's for installing on cars already wired up for 12v. You just provide a power supply (and fuse). This would make it easy to install but more expensive. You might also check Radio Shack, they used to have Notebooks with simple projects line this.

 

[wires]

For glass block check out this app note:

http://www.fiberopticproducts.com/Glassblock.htm

 

[SteveAudus]

Thanks for all your suggestions, with this little problem.
I know it's nothing to do with networks but it seems to of sparked your interest.

I have started looking into the fiber solution, as it does make more sense but as I thought it's expensive.

I have been offered this from fibreopticfx.co.uk :

*******************************************
A 50watt halogen lightsource (with colour wheel if required), 15 tails of FX50J end emitting fibre optic cable at varying lenghts and each end fitted with an M10 brass ferrule.

The lightsource is £141.95 and the fibre is £11.73 per metre plus £30.00 to make up the fibre tails to your required lengths. Each ferrule end is £2.00 each.
********************************************

I reckon thats pushing £500 and I haven't worked out the correct lenghts yet...

I'm looking into "wires"

http://www.fiberopticproducts.com/Glassblock.htm

suggestion.

If I can't get it any cheaper I'll have to go with the LED solution.

Any other suggestions?

Cheers,
Steve

http://www.chaucer.sheffield.sch.uk

 

[bikechuck]

you might try some cheap christmas lights

 

[orypecos]

Unless there is a defect in the LED, it should last for a very long time. They have LED s that have lasted over 20 years. But I like the fiber optic idea to light the bricks remotely just in case. I have replaced LED s although the LED supplier insists that they won't ever wear out if configured properly. I must admitt of thousands of boards that I have tested only a couple of had a LED burnt out.

 

[bithead9]

Have you considered ROPE lighting from your local Home improvement center ? It is low level (like a LED) and uses very littl energy. They plug right into 120VAC or you can wire to an existing switch, etc...

 

[SteveAudus]

Thank you all for your suggestions,

In the end I am using this product,

http://www.litewave.co.uk/glow_wire.htm

A cheap plastic alternative to fibre optic cable.

This is a marvellous company that I sent my plans to,
and they worked out and constructed exactly what I needed, for under £50.

It's great stuff, we are fitting the bricks and wire this weekend I will publish some photos when complete.

Thanks again for all suggestions,
"Not a network problem, but I knew you can help...."

Steve

http://www.chaucer.sheffield.sch.uk