led power consumption

[GawJa]

Hi all,
I've been lurking for a while, but finally decided to join in. A lot of discussions occur regarding the higher power consumption of the rgbs. Has anyone considered this? http:// http://www.edn.com/design/te...ticolored-LEDs
I realize it may mean more space problems and, if this has been shot down already before, please don't flame me for not finding it !
Jim

[Silver Serpent]

Your link is a little messed up, but I was able to get there.

What it proposes is certainly possible. Instead of running the multiple colored dice at the same time, you use electronics to rapidly switch between the active colored dice for color mixing. Depending on how much power the circuit uses, you may see significant increases in the life of a single battery charge.

Of course, space is at a premium inside most hilts. The addition of additional circuitry may not always be possible. I am also uncertain how the rapid switching between the different colored dice would affect the brightness of the saber. Remember that most people in the saber world want their sabers to be as bright as possible (without causing eye damage)

It's a good find. You are welcome to experiment with it in your saber and report back to us with your results.

[FenderBender]

I think that tech may also interfere with any PWM controlled effects like pulse and flicker. I know that the 5mm purple LEDs that we use have that tech inside which is how they get the purple color out of one LED. This is why when we first started using them on CF and were wiring them into the main blade PWM control, they were acting wonky.

[Sevinzol]

Found this on you tube Flashlight Pulse Width Modulation on an Oscilloscope

I believe this kind of circuit is what companies use in most of the expensive flashlights for low, medium, high, etc. settings. considering how small some of the flash lights are, like the new maglites, its should be possible to fit one in a hilt. I agree with Silver, if each die is only on, half or one third the time then it will be dimmer. It will also probably mess up any video you try to make.

[FenderBender]

Also, the soundboards sold in this store (and most good soundboards on the market) use PWM control already.