Buck puck

[travisg96]

I am new to LED so this may sound amateur, if I am using a card like a NB or a PC do i need to use a buck converter and how much voltage do I need to run a tri cree led?

[rlobrecht]

You can't use a buckpuck with a NB, the voltage ranges don't overlap, and you shouldn't use one with a PC either. Each color of a tri-cree needs a different voltage. Generally voltage is chosen based on what sound card you are using. A 3.7v battery for a NB and a 7.4v battery for a PC.

[travisg96]

so a buck puck is only used in a single LED stunt saber setup, then what is the advantage to using one?

[Silver Serpent]

It provides a constant current to the LED, even as the battery pack drains. You'll get the same level of brightness on a fresh charge as you do when the battery is nearly dead. It also slightly improves runtime over using a resistor.

Most beginners like them because you don't need to fiddle with resistor calculations.

There is a new Buckpuck in the store that works with a single-cell li-ion solution: http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/1000mA-37V-Li-ion-Single-LED-Driver-P1211.aspx This 'puck *should* work with the NB or other 3.7v boards.

[rlobrecht]

Wow, that new puck is gigantic.

[travisg96]

So on the Buck puck question if the listing is I/P 9-52v O/P2-46v with a current of 1500mA would this safely work(original voltage of 7.2 with a resistor, rewired to 14.8 with this buck).

Travis

[Strydur]

As my wife likes to tell me.. its not THAT big.

[Strydur]

Travis,

In order to help you, you need to explain exactly what you want to do, without a destination we cannot draw you a map.

I am sure that buckpuck you listed would work if you are doing a stunt saber with a LED that can handle 1500mA

[travisg96]

I have a led that works at 1500mA, I have tested it with a 1000ma buck at 7.2 and it works. I have a 4AAA holder using 10440(aaa sized 3.7 v li ion)which would give me 14.8 volts. Would this voltage work without blowing up my LED?

Travis

[Silver Serpent]

If you're using a buckpuck, then running it at 7.4v or at 14.8v will make no difference. The runtime will be the same, the brightness will be the same. You'll simply have more batteries to charge, and less room in your hilt.