rgb led #2

[joe104]

wait about the rgb led do you have to have 3 switches for it? and if you dont have them what color would come out? does anybody know?

[xwingband]

You can run it on three switches... you just wouldn't have any control over the exact shade. You'd get R+B= Purple, R+G= Orange, G+B= Teal and finally R+G+B= White.

You need either three pots, or three switches. Both would also work, but isn't needed. Without either all of the diodes would be constantly on and would be white.

[joe104]

and would i set the rgb led the same way i would set up a single color led?

[xwingband]

Pretty much... just times three. An RGB has a common negative, but is fundamentally similar.

[joe104]

ok kool.

[GeluKhanGharr]

I thought my experience might come in handy here. If you're planning on using the same power/current and simple switches, then you have a problem - the only colors you'll get without pots are Red/Green/Blue/Teal. When all 3 colors are turned on full power, Red overpowers B and G. I am assuming here you are talking about the 3w Prolight RGB. I made my RGB saber a few months back and this is what I used. Keep in mind they call it a 3 watt LED, but it is in fact three 1 watt LEDs with a common negative and independent in every other way. If memory serves me right, the R required a 2.6 Ohm resistor and the others 3.6. This is the minimal resistance required. On top of that you'll need 0 to 300-400 Ohm linear pots, then you can trully adjust your colors to whatever you want. Also, remember this really is more like a 1 to 2 watt output and not as bright - by a considerable amount - as the 3w Luxeons Tim sells.