LEDs for amp footswitch

[aleclee]

I want to build a footswitch for my amp's boost and channel switching. I have the TRS thing figured out but would seek wisdom on LEDs. Most of the ones I see at Rat Shack are either 2-2.5V or 12V units. Is that all that's commonly available? Like most amps, mine uses the 6V tap for the footswitch.

Should I run a 12V LED under voltage or would you suggest using resistors to drop the voltage to a 2V LED? Schems for this would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

 

[Slick51]

Use the 2.5 volt one and a dropping resistor. The math goes like this...

V = voltage in volts
I = current in amps
R = resistance in ohms

so V=IR, or in our case the difference in the voltages, delta V, is what we'll calculate. Solving for R, we get R= delta V/I.

The power available is 6 volts, so 6-2.5 = 3.5 volts that need to be dropped. The nominal current in a typical LED is 20 milliamp, or .02 amps.

Divide the 3.5 volts by .02 amps and you get 175 ohms, so you have to have a resistor this large to keep from burning the LED out. I usually put a resistor in the 300-450 ohm range in to be safe. This resistor attaches to the anode side (+). If you look at the LED carefully, on the perimeter of the LED there will be a flat spot. The leg next to the flat spot is the cathode (-). Attach the resistive load to the other side. That's all there is to it.

Go here for schematic help.

HTH
Slick51

 

[Slick51]

Thanks. I receive so much great info here, when I have info to pass on, I'm tickled to add to the info pile.

Slick51

 

[aleclee]

Originally posted by apalazzolo
what a perfect response slick51 !

+1. Just what I was looking for!

Thanks so much.

 

[Thames]

Ok.. If I want to install a LED in my fuzz box, which one should I go for ?

 

[Slick51]

I need more info...what LED? or color, size, shape?. You can use essentially any LED with less than 9 volts for the forward voltage (Vf). The resistor is what we'd have to calculate to match your choice.

HTH
Slick51