1st where do you get them, I know ebay is much better then radioshack. Any other places you suggest? Any specific sellers? Also I don'tknow much abotu leds but is there anything I shoudl look for in hooking them up to a 12 volt system? Any specific requirement that the LED must meet?

thanks

 

Looking at this big sticker on my comp, superbrightleds.com, I'm pretty they have wiring diagrams on there too!

 

Well depends on what you want to do with the leds for me to tell you where to get them.

If you are replacing bulbs go to www.superbrightleds.com like the guy above said.

If you are doing custom led stuff and have to make something with them go on ebay and search for this seller "cwithk" or go to his/her ebay store http://stores.ebay.com/Chi-Wing-LED-product-shop make sure you get the ones that come with resistors.

If you need me to go into more dtail on the ebay ones post up

 

I am looking into doing custom stuff....

does it matter what size resistor, or is it generic?

Also any links to sites that have a little more info, I have some small electrical expereince in cars, but looking to learn more

 

What exactly do you want to know....

Most typical 5mm LEDs are 2 Volt devices, they need to have a resistor wired in-line with then to drop the extra voltage. For each LED you will need a 470 ohm to 1K ohm resistor. This rule changes a little if you are going to hook more than 1 LED in a string.

95% of the time I get my stuff off Ebay, they are the cheapest for the LEDs. The resistors you can get locally at radioshack, but they are cheaper on ebay as well.

For a resistor you want the value that I stated earlier, with a rating of 1/4W. That should work fine.

If you have any further questions let me know, I design LED Lighting fixture for a living.

 

Just get the ones off ebay then look for the auctions that come with resistors they will throw the right ones in there for you.
You just have to solder them.

I bought 100 and I still got like 90 left

 

www.mouser.com
www.digikey.com

Both should have plenty of LEDs for you.

www.smallbearelec.com

The value resistor matters alot, just as much as the color and voltage of the resistor. Red LEDs need a bit more juice than a blue LED to be the same brightness.
2K2 with a red works great for 9V.

 

Eric if you don't mind me asking what are you making?

 

Lite-Brite?

 

On a lighter note I would like to wish all a Happy 4th of July and don't do too much stupid stuff