Using different LEDs with FRED

The standard 3mm dia LED supplied with FRED may be too small a diameter for some applications. This page shows some alternatives, and ways to use other LEDs purchased separately.

For use as a flashing tail light on a live steam driver's truck or similar, a larger diameter is desirable for increased visibility. Commercially available bezels with a high efficiency LED built in are readily and cheaply available like the one shown at the right. Electronic parts stores such Jaycar or Altronics and others stock them, and offer online shopping. The visible light area is approximately twice the diameter of the LED due to the chrome reflector, and directed largely outwards with minimal sideways illumination.

Mounting is easy, just a simple round hole in a flat panel, and two wires to the FRED contoller board is all that is required. Just make sure to check the polarity of the LEDs and connections.

Bezels like this are available with 5mm or 10mm dia LEDs with part numbers:-

There are also LEDs available in different colours - red, hi-efficiency red, green, yellow, orange, blue and white in standard diameters of 3mm, 5mm and 10mm, plus special shapes such as rectangular. Plastic panel mounts are readily available for most of these sizes. Any of these LEDs could be used if desired by following the instructions above.

How to use LEDs and the connections to them, including identifying leads etc, can be found in the article on Using LEDs. Note the small flat beside the cathode - this is the most reliable way to identify the leads on an LED.

[Updated: 18 Feb 2010]

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