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Step 7Solder the LEDs
Conveniently (okay, it was planned), the leads of the LEDs overlap about a quarter-inch when folded flat against the edge of the plastic. The LEDs will be grouped into series chains as follows:
White LEDs: On each side, four sets of three, one set of two.
Red LEDs: Two sets of five, one set of four
In each set of two white LEDs, cut a gap between the leads of the LEDs, and solder a 150 ohm resistor between them.
In each set of three white LEDs, fold down the leads and solder the leads that stretch between the first and second LED. Cut a gap between the leads of the second and third LED, and solder a 68 ohm resistor between them.
In the set of four red LEDs (which is made up of two on either side of the panel), cut a gap between one of the pairs and solder a 150 ohm resistor.
In the set of five red LEDs, solder a 51 ohm resistor between the fourth and fifth LEDs.
It may help to mark which end of each chain is positive and negative - do so using a small piece of masking tape.
The LEDs will form a series-parallel network. Run lengths of wire in a daisy-chain to all the negative leads, and a separate wire to all the positive wires.
With everything wired up, you should be able to test the circuit. Use a 12V power supply, and observe correct polarity. Every LED should light up - if not, look for shorts and opens.
Lastly, run two main wires from the LED network, one for positive and one for negative. Leave a lot of slack, at least 18 inches.
With the LEDs all soldered, cover them all with another layer of packing tape so they are fully insulated.
White LEDs: On each side, four sets of three, one set of two.
Red LEDs: Two sets of five, one set of four
In each set of two white LEDs, cut a gap between the leads of the LEDs, and solder a 150 ohm resistor between them.
In each set of three white LEDs, fold down the leads and solder the leads that stretch between the first and second LED. Cut a gap between the leads of the second and third LED, and solder a 68 ohm resistor between them.
In the set of four red LEDs (which is made up of two on either side of the panel), cut a gap between one of the pairs and solder a 150 ohm resistor.
In the set of five red LEDs, solder a 51 ohm resistor between the fourth and fifth LEDs.
It may help to mark which end of each chain is positive and negative - do so using a small piece of masking tape.
The LEDs will form a series-parallel network. Run lengths of wire in a daisy-chain to all the negative leads, and a separate wire to all the positive wires.
With everything wired up, you should be able to test the circuit. Use a 12V power supply, and observe correct polarity. Every LED should light up - if not, look for shorts and opens.
Lastly, run two main wires from the LED network, one for positive and one for negative. Leave a lot of slack, at least 18 inches.
With the LEDs all soldered, cover them all with another layer of packing tape so they are fully insulated.
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