Power LED's - simplest light with constant-current circuit

Step 9 Permanant-ize it

now test the circuit by applying power. assuming it works, we just need to make it durable. an easy way is to put a large blob of silicone glue all over the circuit. this will make it mechanically strong and waterproof. just glob on the silicone, and make an effort to get rid of any air bubbles. i call this method: "BLOB-TRONICS". it doen't look like much, but it works really well and is cheap and easy.

also, tying the two wires together helps reduce strain on the wires also.

i've also added a photo of the same circuit, but on a proto-board (this one is "Capital US-1008", available at digikey), and with a 0.47-ohm R3.

Comments

[jufreese]

I have done the BLOB method on a circuit before....turned out the regulator got a little too hot and melted all the hot glue off of it. Keep that in mind.

[frollard]

hence the use of silicone glue, not 'hot' glue :D That could go poorly - as it did when I "repaired" my landlord's laptop power supply. It remelted and stuck to the floor. Doesn't normally get hot, but if you leave it on carpet with a blanket over it, it does get hot :S