Viewing angle vs. mcd for LED strings

[WesTheBotMaster]

In my searches for the perfect green LEDs for a string blade, I have narrowed the LEDs down to two specific LEDs: 70 degree @ 15000 mcd, OR 120 degree @ 1000 mcd.

Is it better to have a large viewing angle at a lower brightness, or a higher brightness at a smaller viewing angle?

[thejedilestat]

i think the brightness will be a good way to go but i dont really have a clue what would be better in the end

[WesTheBotMaster]

Yeah, mcd per degree, the 70 degree LEDs outshine the 120 degree. I think ill go with the 70 and see how it goes.

[pointoforigin]

The angle really does matter for a LED string. If you think about it, the way the LEDs are arranged in a string has the focal point of each LED placed on the back of the next LED. You really do need a wider viewing angle for a super bright blade - look up Supanova on fx-sabers forums to see a lot of the science behind this.

[WesTheBotMaster]

Holy cow! I thought Makoto was the winner of the brightest LED string contest.

Though I don't have the tools, the skills, or the time to make a supernova blade, that's some interesting data. I will experiment with grinding down some LEDs to see how it affects the brightness.

Thanks for the info. I find the fx-sabers forums difficult to navigate, and never would have found this.

[thejedilestat]

oh i have to try this!








verry good information ... good indeed

[eastern57]

120 is too wide. I've done it. It looks crappy. Too wide an angle will disperse too much at a closer distance. The goal it to maintain a tight enough point to reach the next LED in line, so they "connect", and look like a singular line of light (behind a difuser, of course). I would recommend 45 to 50 degrees, but no less than 30.

[WesTheBotMaster]

I guess that settles it then. I'll order the 70 degree LEDs. Thanks!