Using AC with LEDs (Part 4) - The New Technologies

Step 3 Construction

Construction is very simple - I used a small (2" x 2") piece of perf-board. Connect all the LED Anodes (+) together, then to the Red wire of the module. Do the same thing for the Cathodes (-) and attach to the other (white) wire.

The remaining white wires are attached to AC-mains.

Comments

[acmefixer]

At first I thought that the LEDs were connected in series but then I checked one and realized that the pins are connected together internally in the LED. So they really are all connected in parallel. I connect LEDs in parallel when they're on a Joule Thief, because I figure the high current pulse makes their internal resistance help even out the current between LEDs. But I assume that the output of the power module is DC, so there's no pulse. I'm disappointed to find that these superflux LEDs I got from LVEHK have gone dim after 2000 hours. I think I'm gonna reduce the current to 20 mA or less to get longer lifetime.

[kndclark]

You've done an excellent job of finding quality parts and explaining. I thought the cathode was the negative lead.

[qs]

Oops, you're right. Will be changed.