162Views7Replies
help with dimming leds
I recently bought an rgb 12v led tape thats about 1 meter long and i want to attach it the bottom of my scooter. What would be the best way to put a dimmer on the leds? Do i need a PWM sort of a thing or can i just use a 100ohms pot?
i'd use this
Select as Best AnswerUndo Best Answer
PWM Instructable
Select as Best AnswerUndo Best Answer
LEDs don't "dim" the way incandescent lights dim. They have a threshold voltage -- below that voltage they're off, and above it they're on. As you've indicated, you need a PWM or similar "chopped" power supply, so that the voltage can be raised and lowered fast enough to reduce the total light output, but prevent "flicker". You could build a PWM yourself, based on a 555 timer chip (and use a pot to vary the timing), or you could buy a prepackaged one.
Select as Best AnswerUndo Best Answer
a pot can do if its ok to have jump from 0 to some minimum brightness. just use a high resistance pot - the highr the better
Select as Best AnswerUndo Best Answer
U could just use a potentiometer, but you have to make sure that the potentiometer can handle the wattage.
Select as Best AnswerUndo Best Answer
how can you check that?
Select as Best AnswerUndo Best Answer
how much current the leds take at full power ?
Select as Best AnswerUndo Best Answer