discussion Running 1 x 12V LED light in a model.

[AlanG]

I have an idea for a model to have one (1) 12V LED light in it and would like to know what items other than a light, battery and wire would i need to run said light. Anything special?

 

[GerryW]

Any particular reason for 12V? Just that you could run one on a single 7.5V (18650) battery for several hours

 

[AlanG]

I only say 12V because in looking in the SMS shop i saw they were 12V LED lights. No other reason as i know nothing about electrickery.

 

[wotan]

To add lights 5 or 6 volts is a more usual power source. In addition ensure that your leds have a built in resistor. If not you will need to add about a 300 ohm resistor. Finally a switch is always useful but not vital.

John

 

[GerryW]

To add lights 5 or 6 volts is a more usual power source. In addition ensure that your leds have a built in resistor. If not you will need to add about a 300 ohm resistor. Finally a switch is always useful but not vital.

John

Think that most of them come with them built in - but not positive on that

 

[boatman]

HI Alan well you hav'nt said what model you want to light up ? an yes smd 12v leds come with about 10 inches of wires lenght an a prefitted resistor an they are very bright or you can get the weakwhite smd led in 2mm size as well
chris

 

[AlanG]

Cannot say what model it is Chris as that's a secret lol. But i need two (2) light and not one as i said before. I forgot about the other. I was looking at the grain of rice LED lights that John used to have in. They need to be small to fit in the place i need them. Brightness i suppose is always nice to have. I could always place a variable resistor on it to adjust to the brightness i needed.

 

[boatman]

Cannot say what model it is Chris as that's a secret lol. But i need two (2) light and not one as i said before. I forgot about the other. I was looking at the grain of rice LED lights that John used to have in. They need to be small to fit in the place i need them. Brightness i suppose is always nice to have. I could always place a variable resistor on it to adjust to the brightness i needed.

OK Al its a secret can you say what coluor is needed ? an SMD are very small only 2mm an as i said from the shop where i get mine they come in pack of 5 for a fiver with the wires an resistor all fitted all you have to do is wire them up to a switch an a 12v batt an if you do want to buy some from where i get mine i'll be happy to give the shop name an tel no.
chris

 

[Mini Me]

I'm just going through a similar situation I hit evil bay and found a battery pack and switches.......the led lighting kit I ordered from a model railroad supply house. I found that they draw 20 mili amps of current and that in order to get a scale brightness I would need to use a 450 ohm resistor in the circuit.
I don't know if any of this applies to what you are doing Alan....hope it helps. Rick H.

 

[Strenko J]

Alan,
try this website.. I used the lights in the dio that I built awhile,back..both indoor lights and flickering for the light in the fireplace
https://evandesigns.com

 

[Guest]

Alan have a look at Small Scale Lights web site.
Very helpful indeed .

 

[Bobby Conkers]

Alan have a look at Small Scale Lights web site.
Very helpful indeed .

Seconded. In fact, email the owner. It was my first foray into lighting, I gave a very basic description and she replied in full and with very helpful tips, without upselling. (In my Spanish Galleon thread if you're interested https://www.scale-models.co.uk/threads/revell-1-96-spanish-galleon.36871/page-4).