L.E.D’s (Part Three)
Wiring Up L.E.D’s Part Three
In this last part of this series we’ll take a look at adding some simple switching circuits to the L.E.D.s. A few common examples often found on model railway layouts are shown below.
Simple L.E.D Switching Circuit (One L.E.D on – One L.E.D Off )
A typical L.E.D switching circuit showing one L.E.D on & one L.E.D off. Examples for this diagram in use are, colour light signals, Control Panels, Status of which direct the points are set. You’ll need a Single Pole Double Throw on – on switch.
Simple L.E.D Switching Circuit (Bi-coloured L.E.D’s – alternating the colour that is on)
A typical L.E.D switching circuit showing two bi-coloured L.E.D’s with three leads. Examples for this diagram in use are, colour light signals, Control Panels, Status of which direct the points are set. You’ll need a Single Pole Double Throw on – on switch.
Wiring up a D.P.D.T Switch
In this diagram, it shows how to wire up a Double Throw Double Pole changeover switch. Ideal uses include changing over popularity on a DC power supply, changing over the polarity in on a reverse loop on a DC controlled layout (i.e. reversing a DC powered train), & also for the the other L.E.D circuits shown in this three part series.
This series has been very useful but it still looks complicated to me.
Noticing the tiny lights on some of our Xmas decorations I’m going to see if I can buy any cheap remainders in the sales and strip the light chain off and use it on the layout. They run off AA batteries with a simple switch.
Hi Pete, if you follow the diagrams you can’t go to far wrong. If using 12v as minimum safeguard with the L.E.D’s use a resistor with a minimum rating of 1000ohms to prevent blowing the L.E.D’s.