TUTORIAL: How to wire SMD LEDs.....

[- Z -]

Had to figure this out myself and I burned probably about 5 of these suckers just trying to get it right. I am sure Big Hank has a much more efficient way and I would glaldy bow to his expert if he chooses to add anything! (*hint* *hint*) :D

Anyway, here we go:

http://zildjiancustoms.angelfire.com/images/transformers/SMD/z-1.jpg

http://zildjiancustoms.angelfire.com/images/transformers/SMD/z-2b.jpg

http://zildjiancustoms.angelfire.com/images/transformers/SMD/z-4.jpg

http://zildjiancustoms.angelfire.com/images/transformers/SMD/z-5.jpg

http://zildjiancustoms.angelfire.com/images/transformers/SMD/z-6.jpg

http://zildjiancustoms.angelfire.com/images/transformers/SMD/z-7.jpg

http://zildjiancustoms.angelfire.com/images/transformers/SMD/z-8b.jpg

http://zildjiancustoms.angelfire.com/images/transformers/SMD/z-9.jpg

http://zildjiancustoms.angelfire.com/images/transformers/SMD/z-11.jpg

http://zildjiancustoms.angelfire.com/images/transformers/SMD/z-12b.jpg

http://zildjiancustoms.angelfire.com/images/transformers/SMD/z-13b.jpg

http://zildjiancustoms.angelfire.com/images/transformers/SMD/z-14b.jpg

http://zildjiancustoms.angelfire.com/images/transformers/SMD/z-15.jpg

http://zildjiancustoms.angelfire.com/images/transformers/SMD/z-17.jpg

http://zildjiancustoms.angelfire.com/images/transformers/SMD/z-18.jpg

If anyone has any questions please feel free to ask!! I hope this helps someone.

[frenzyrumble]

very nice tutorial. Where can I get wiring like that? I tried Radio Shack, but they only had thicker stuff. Probably ebay? You can find everything on ebay ;)

[- Z -]

Thanks....

I get all of mine here:

http://www.tcsdcc.com/Tools_and_Supplies/32%20gauge%20wire.htm

I believe they are in Jersey so shipping takes NO time for us!

[mswi]

excellent tutorial, never used SMD's before, whats the power requirement?

[N5omniac]

Great Tut!!!

I do have a n00bish question about LEDs, and instead of starting a new topic I'll just drop em here...

Now that you have soldered you SMD (or LED) now you apply a resistor (when needed)
My question is: whats the best way to calculate the proper resistor?

Example:
I'm installing 2 5mm 8,000MCD White LEDs and 2 3mm 5,000MCD Red LEDs to a build, using CR2016 Lithium (watch) 3v Cell Batteries.
how would I go about figuring which resistors to use, not only to keep the LEDs from getting too hot, but to limit my battery usage. Two batteries per LED work great, but I dont want to use 8 batts. (im assuming the LEDs are any where from 3-3.6V, im not sure)

[speedleescustoms]

this is fantastic ! just wat i needed as i'm figuring out how to insert leds into some of my customs... although as much as i still can't quite get it, i'll read it again and again... Thanks for sharing ! :D

[- Z -]

Great Tut!!!

I do have a n00bish question about LEDs, and instead of starting a new topic I'll just drop em here...

Now that you have soldered you SMD (or LED) now you apply a resistor (when needed)
My question is: whats the best way to calculate the proper resistor?

Example:
I'm installing 2 5mm 8,000MCD White LEDs and 2 3mm 5,000MCD Red LEDs to a build, using CR2016 Lithium (watch) 3v Cell Batteries.
how would I go about figuring which resistors to use, not only to keep the LEDs from getting too hot, but to limit my battery usage. Two batteries per LED work great, but I dont want to use 8 batts. (im assuming the LEDs are any where from 3-3.6V, im not sure)


That is a question I can not answer..... Big Hank should be able to though. Maybe give us a rule of thumb.....

I will PM him to come answer. :D

[N5omniac]

That is a question I can not answer..... Big Hank should be able to though. Maybe give us a rule of thumb.....

I will PM him to come answer. :D

cool.. I will share what I learned from another forum.. another Master of this art shared his lil secret...

http://led.linear1.org/led.wiz

I've played around with this and man it's helped.. specially for those who scratch their heads on the subject (and trust me, I think I made a bald spot!)
even gives diagrams in various forms <for those that do better with pictures than words!>
just make sure you click the "?" next to the items...they kinda give you a cheat sheet; but I would still like to hear Big Hank's answer...can't have too many right answers.

Oh, and I just received an order of SMDs and man! Pictures do no justice.. these things are TINY!!!! I think Rick Moranis shrunk these lil babies!!!

[zfeakye]

Hi, am a custom newbie..would like to findout more on the wiring LEDs to the TFs...normally how to you house the LED and especially the battery pack? take ROTF ravage for example...i can put the LED in the eye but i'm cracking over how to install the battery and the switch...do i have to break into the chest? if so , then it would not be able to transform already? please advice...thanks

[C.dizel]

this tutorial looks real informative, can't wait till I get some more work done on my Omega Supreme custom, this will def come in handy

[Bern]

I melted about 10 of these before I gave up on my skills with my particular soldering kit. I will give it another shot using this technique though, thanks!

[- Z -]

I melted about 10 of these before I gave up on my skills with my particular soldering kit. I will give it another shot using this technique though, thanks!

Once you get it one time it will become so much easier!

[JaZzMan26]

Had to figure this out myself and I burned probably about 5 of these suckers just trying to get it right. I am sure Big Hank has a much more efficient way and I would glaldy bow to his expert if he chooses to add anything! (*hint* *hint*) :D

Anyway, here we go:

http://zildjiancustoms.angelfire.com/images/transformers/SMD/z-1.jpg

http://zildjiancustoms.angelfire.com/images/transformers/SMD/z-2b.jpg

http://zildjiancustoms.angelfire.com/images/transformers/SMD/z-4.jpg

http://zildjiancustoms.angelfire.com/images/transformers/SMD/z-5.jpg

http://zildjiancustoms.angelfire.com/images/transformers/SMD/z-6.jpg

http://zildjiancustoms.angelfire.com/images/transformers/SMD/z-7.jpg

http://zildjiancustoms.angelfire.com/images/transformers/SMD/z-8b.jpg

http://zildjiancustoms.angelfire.com/images/transformers/SMD/z-9.jpg

http://zildjiancustoms.angelfire.com/images/transformers/SMD/z-11.jpg

http://zildjiancustoms.angelfire.com/images/transformers/SMD/z-12b.jpg

http://zildjiancustoms.angelfire.com/images/transformers/SMD/z-13b.jpg

http://zildjiancustoms.angelfire.com/images/transformers/SMD/z-14b.jpg

http://zildjiancustoms.angelfire.com/images/transformers/SMD/z-15.jpg

http://zildjiancustoms.angelfire.com/images/transformers/SMD/z-17.jpg

http://zildjiancustoms.angelfire.com/images/transformers/SMD/z-18.jpg

If anyone has any questions please feel free to ask!! I hope this helps someone.

If I was to run 3-5 of these small LED at one time-just an on and off switch how many batteries 1 or 2?
I' have a project that I can see a use for these and some info would be great!

[JaZzMan26]

Thanks....

I get all of mine here:

http://www.tcsdcc.com/Tools_and_Supplies/32%20gauge%20wire.htm

I believe they are in Jersey so shipping takes NO time for us!

better yet how much would you charge to make me 1 white, 2 blues and 2 reds? that may save me some time on this project of mine lol.....
PM me if your interested.

[BigHank]

If I was to run 3-5 of these small LED at one time-just an on and off switch how many batteries 1 or 2?
I' have a project that I can see a use for these and some info would be great!

If you run them in PARALLEL, that's the key, you can run 3-5 easily off 1 3volt battery. try and use a good coin battery like a 2032, that'll handle 10 LEDs easy.

Remember:

Series : basically "daisy chaining" the LEDs one after another. (+ from one to the - of the next, etc. In series, the voltage demand is cumulative meaning if you ran 3 LEDs in series that draw 2.6 volts each you would need a battery pack that supplied at least 7.8 volts.

Parallel: Attaching the LEDs in such a way that each LED's + and - touch the battery. In essence if we had the same rig in parallel, each LED would terminate at the battery, and the voltage demand would only be 2.6 volts, thus only one battery (3volt) would be needed. The amperage would be divided however, which may result in the LEDs not being as bright as their rated millicandella(brightness). This is usually not an issue and this is the preferred method for TF wire ups.


better yet how much would you charge to make me 1 white, 2 blues and 2 reds? that may save me some time on this project of mine lol.....
PM me if your interested.

That's always tough. It's very hard to pre-build a harness without the figure in hand. You MUST take into account the twists and folds needed to TF from bot to alt mode. Your best bet is to PM him and send him the figure to wire up for you. I may be able to guide you but I owe out a bunch of work still, I'm so very far behind.:cool:

[JaZzMan26]

If you run them in PARALLEL, that's the key, you can run 3-5 easily off 1 3volt battery. try and use a good coin battery like a 2032, that'll handle 10 LEDs easy.

Remember:

Series : basically "daisy chaining" the LEDs one after another. (+ from one to the - of the next, etc. In series, the voltage demand is cumulative meaning if you ran 3 LEDs in series that draw 2.6 volts each you would need a battery pack that supplied at least 7.8 volts.

Parallel: Attaching the LEDs in such a way that each LED's + and - touch the battery. In essence if we had the same rig in parallel, each LED would terminate at the battery, and the voltage demand would only be 2.6 volts, thus only one battery (3volt) would be needed. The amperage would be divided however, which may result in the LEDs not being as bright as their rated millicandella(brightness). This is usually not an issue and this is the preferred method for TF wire ups.



That's always tough. It's very hard to pre-build a harness without the figure in hand. You MUST take into account the twists and folds needed to TF from bot to alt mode. Your best bet is to PM him and send him the figure to wire up for you. I may be able to guide you but I owe out a bunch of work still, I'm so very far behind.:cool:

True but this is for the Jazz I'm doing and he's not going to be able to transform. If I could get the wires to each piece to be 7inches long that would work and I could do the battery and switch part on my own.
But I do think it would be best to talk with him first on the transforming stuff but I'm not that advance yet LOL.

[BigHank]

Oh I see, it's a non TFer. In that case you just want someone to wire up 5 SMT sized LEDs with 7-8 inch leads and you'll locate them on the figure. Gotcha!:D:cool:

This whole time I thought that Jazz was gonna transform!:o

[JaZzMan26]

Oh I see, it's a non TFer. In that case you just want someone to wire up 5 SMT sized LEDs with 7-8 inch leads and you'll locate them on the figure. Gotcha!:D:cool:

This whole time I thought that Jazz was gonna transform!:o

That might be the next one I do, this piece is purely for bot form display only.
Kinda why I'm adding a ton of stuff to him to give hime a more realistic look.
I'd like to make him transform but looking at the Masterpiece Jazz that JAF did was a whole lotta work, and I'm lacking tools haha.
I used a Miester Alternator for this instead of the smaller Smokescreen chassis which would have gave me the ability to but I'm afraid that after putting all that work for something to feel flimsy and possible break after all that work I'd freak out and go postal...lol
Now the whole front end and doors section, including the front windshield all lined up to transform its just the damn feet that won't work. Now I have a Gundam on the way that I'm going to use to replace Jazz from the waist down so who knows I will try it again and see but I still don't think it's gonna transform but you never know...thinking about re-doing his upper arms to give a more full look to them and re-angle the wheels on his shoulders (kinda like the new generations jazz that hasn't been released yet)and re-mount the shocks different IDK...maybe I will build 2 sets of arms and take a poll to see what you all think first.

[BigHank]

Ahh, gotcha! TFing or not I'm sure it'll kick ass.:cool:

[JaZzMan26]

Ahh, gotcha! TFing or not I'm sure it'll kick ass.:cool:

I hope...
I'm impressed how it looks as is now, as long as I don't F--- it up between now and then LOL, you guys have been a huge help.

[JaZzMan26]

Stevie here is the tutorial...

[- Z -]

i know but will the smd light fit into deluze class tftm wreckage

Really Stevie?.... can a pencil point fit in a Deluxe Wreckage? Yes? Good.... then a SMD/SMT LED will.

This is where you need to stop, think, then post. All of your, and anyone else's, nonsense posts will be deleted from here on out.

[C2567]

hey Sainte..ahem :) sorry Zildjian, any other alternative to aluminium tape? I'm having a hard time finding it

[BigHank]

I actually don't use aluminum tape. I hold the SMT LEDs with a tweezers. Takes patience/practice, prepare to have several fling out and get lost.

[- Z -]

hey Sainte..ahem :) sorry Zildjian, any other alternative to aluminium tape? I'm having a hard time finding it

Um, where do you live?

Any and all of the following stores carry aluminum tape.... Home Depot, Lowes, Ace Hardware, Wal-Mart, Sears....

[- Z -]

I actually don't use aluminum tape. I hold the SMT LEDs with a tweezers. Takes patience/practice, prepare to have several fling out and get lost.

Thats cause you are a ninja.

[BigHank]

Thats cause you are a ninja.

Yes, I didn't want to brag, but I actually toss them in the air and catch them with chopsticks.......:afro:

[C2567]

I actually don't use aluminum tape. I hold the SMT LEDs with a tweezers. Takes patience/practice, prepare to have several fling out and get lost.

Do you have to have alot of experience to do that?, I'm scared to touch mine.
I just ordered these and i;m trying to get them into a mudflap


btw Sainte I dont live in the USA I dnt know what you mean by aluminium foil, I tried asking around but they [hardware store guy] didnt know.

I was simply asking for help. :rolleyes:

[- Z -]

btw Sainte I dont live in the USA I dnt know what you mean by aluminium foil, I tried asking around but they [hardware store guy] didnt know.

I was simply asking for help. :rolleyes:

Which is what I was offering you.....

Can you order products online? I just googled aluminum tape and this came up:

http://www.amazon.com/Intertape-85007-Aluminum-2-5-Inches-50-Yards/dp/B000KKRJJ0

Pretty much exactly what I use, and a good price.

Also, what the F is the Sainte thing? Are you trying to call me a "saint"?

[C2567]

Which is what I was offering you.....

Can you order products online? I just googled aluminum tape and this came up:

http://www.amazon.com/Intertape-85007-Aluminum-2-5-Inches-50-Yards/dp/B000KKRJJ0

Pretty much exactly what I use, and a good price.

Also, what the F is the Sainte thing? Are you trying to call me a "saint"?

My bad, Oh cool and its in amazon too, thanks :)

I dunno, I can remember you used to be known as Sainte,I just recall You changing the site name from Sainte to Zuljaan, which sounds very similar to Zildjian. So i just assumed ..
did you make this custom?
http://www.seibertron.com/energonpub/leader-class-movie-galvatron-sainte-style-t22635.php
No offense meant Its all in good fun:)

[- Z -]

My bad, Oh cool and its in amazon too, thanks :)

I dunno, I can remember you used to be known as Sainte,I just recall You changing the site name from Sainte to Zuljaan, which sounds very similar to Zildjian. So i just assumed ..
did you make this custom?
http://www.seibertron.com/energonpub/leader-class-movie-galvatron-sainte-style-t22635.php
No offense meant Its all in good fun:)

Nope.... not me. I have been Zildjian since 1997!

[BigHank]

Do you have to have alot of experience to do that?, I'm scared to touch mine.
I just ordered these and i;m trying to get them into a mudflap



Yes I have a few years working with them. Don't be afraid to do some trial and error. It's a small price to pay for experience, which you can't put a price on.

And just to make you aware, Mudflap's eyes are opaque. It does not transmit light very well at all. I ended up using acrylic rod to fabricate his eyes. I'm not sure of all the variations of Mudflap, but the first couple versions you'll have to fab the eyes.:cool:

Here is a link to the lit up Mudflap and Skids I did with Frenzy_Rumble:

http://www.procustomizers.com/showthread.php?t=332

http://www.procustomizers.com/showthread.php?t=275

[C2567]

Yes I have a few years working with them. Don't be afraid to do some trial and error. It's a small price to pay for experience, which you can't put a price on.

And just to make you aware, Mudflap's eyes are opaque. It does not transmit light very well at all. I ended up using acrylic rod to fabricate his eyes. I'm not sure of all the variations of Mudflap, but the first couple versions you'll have to fab the eyes.:cool:

Here is a link to the lit up Mudflap and Skids I did with Frenzy_Rumble:

http://www.procustomizers.com/showthread.php?t=332

http://www.procustomizers.com/showthread.php?t=275

Well I poked the eyes out now, i'm waiting on the styrene. OH I missed that custom :) i';; check it out..

Zildjian, My bad .. :) lol i must have sounded real dumb, sorry for that :)

[mustangk]

Where are you guys getting these Smd led lights?

[- Z -]

As mentioned a few times in the thread, you can get them on ebay.

Here is one example:

http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Product-50X-SMD-SMT-PLCC-2-Blue-LEDs-800mcd-F-R-/250722285668?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a60367864

[Eyes-of-a-Snake]

Please forgive me if I am stepping out of bounds posting this here, but I just did a metric crap ton of looking around and wanted to post some links for the next guy who asks "where can I find that" or, "what do I need" cause Im a nice guy like that.

I havent gotten into actually DOING this yet, but I am making the investment over the weekend so I wanted to share some links of some of the stuff I may be ordering. Please, all you long time LED guys correct me if Im wrong on anything

Everything is through Ebay...

LED's - http://cgi.ebay.com/50p-3mm-SUPER-BRIGHT-RED-LED-LAMP-15Kmcd-FREE-SHIPPING-/370280426209?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item56366eeae1

Couldnt really find any in less than 50 packs.

Batteries - http://cgi.ebay.com/5-pcs-ENERGIZER-2032-CR2032-3V-Button-cell-Coin-Battery-/110584242430?pt=Laptop_Batteries&hash=item19bf55a0fe

I have NO intentions of paying this much for these as I found a LOT of 25 packs for like 10 bucks or less, but this was my first search saved...

Battery Holder (solders onto the other end of the wire just like the LED does) - http://cgi.ebay.com/4x-COIN-BATTERY-HOLDER-20MM-2016-2025-2032-CR2032-/220729725462?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_2&hash=item3364845216

There are more than "4" packs out there, but this is all "I" am getting for now.

Resistors - http://cgi.ebay.com/1-4-Watt-5-Carbon-Film-Resistor-Assortments-/320535683701?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4aa16a6275

These guys give you the option of choosing just about ANY resistance in sets of 10 to the total of 30.

Heat Shrink Tubing - http://cgi.ebay.com/1-8-x-20-FEET-HEAT-SHRINK-TUBE-TUBING-BLACK-125-/370475117839?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item564209ad0f

Not really a "must have", but Im anal when I wire ANYTHING about keeping it all together and protecting soldered ends such as at the base of the LED's.

Sorry to revive the thread and post a long winded hit like this, but I did a lot of hunting and figured I try to spare some questions and save some searching...

Crap...lol. Forgot to look for switches. Always tomorrow, bed time now...

Oh, and thanks for posting this VERY helpful tut and for the vet input on the subject gents. Think I got enough info to take a good crack at this...

[zfeakye]

damn...gotta try this tutorial out myself soon....

[AutobotX23]

Thanks a million, Z.

[OMEGAPRIME1983]

so how small are these exactly?? I would love to put a couple of cool white smd LED's into my Ironhide I'm working on, but I don't really know where to get these or how big to make them.. Clues and any help would rock! Thanks guys!

[- Z -]

so how small are these exactly?? I would love to put a couple of cool white smd LED's into my Ironhide I'm working on, but I don't really know where to get these or how big to make them.. Clues and any help would rock! Thanks guys!

The first picture of the tutorial says the SMD LEDs are the size of a pencil point! :p

[jbarb78]

They're tiny, smaller than you'd expect. I managed to fit 2 blue smd's in a ROTF Swerve head for his eyes if that helps you picture it. Better eat plenty of carrots, your eyes will thank you for it.

[OMEGAPRIME1983]

Lmao, sorry, I girds I didn't catch that Z. And thanks barb. You guts both rock, :D

[zfeakye]

what is the size of the SMD LED u used? 0603 or 0805 or 1206?

[- Z -]

what is the size of the SMD LED u used? 0603 or 0805 or 1206?

Depends on your project.

[zfeakye]

Depends on your project.

what about the one u used for your tutorial?

[Xcion]

Sorry to bring this back in but for the LEDs used in this tutorial, could I get a link to an eBay source? I tried but I can find anything this small!

[- Z -]

I just typed SMD LED in eBay search and 1000's came up.... Here is one and the seller has a TON available:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/50-pieces-0603-Ultra-Bright-SMD-Pink-LEDs-/140657840444?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20bfdc513c

[- Z -]

Here is another than has a TON for sale:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/100-Pcs-SMD-SMT-1206-Super-bright-Blue-LED-lamp-light-/110788556594?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19cb833732

[ian searth]

where can i get blue smt leds for a reasonable price and really small wire?

[- Z -]

where can i get blue smt leds for a reasonable price and really small wire?

The link right above you rpost!