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Thread: Killed my first LED

  1. #1

    Default Killed my first LED

    Brand new Cree red/red/white and I got all medieval on one of the reds. However, I know what I did wrong and consider it a $20 electronics lesson.

    Now granted I'm going back to the store soon but I still have this red/white LED and I'm wondering what the more resourceful among you would do with this other than trash it.

  2. #2

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    Use it in a saber. Red blade and white FoC.

  3. #3

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    Would it be safe to assume it will be half as bright as otherwise or is the number of LEDs to brightness not a linear relationship?

    Since I've already maimed this die would it be a worthy risk to use a smaller resistor and try brightening up the one good red LED?

    Oh and when you say red blade do you mean literally using a red day blade?

  4. #4

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    I just meant the red led as the main blade color. I have two MR conversions that only use single die leds and they are plenty bright

  5. #5

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    Not necessarily half as bright, more like 2/3rds or 3/4's as bright.
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  6. #6

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    There are low tech ways of replacing the burned out LED if you are feeling courageous.

  7. #7

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    Quote Originally Posted by jbkuma View Post
    There are low tech ways of replacing the burned out LED if you are feeling courageous.
    Lay it on me, Hoss.

  8. #8

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    I've never done it, but I plan on replacing it on an RGB. Basically you use an electric skillet or hot plate that can relatively accurately hit around 225C, carefully pluck off the old LED, apply some solder paste (if necessary), place the new one (pay attention to polarity) then let everything cool down. You can search youtube for some good videos. I definitely recommend watching a few of them before trying it.

    You can get individual LEDs plenty of places online, I would just make sure to use a respected source. Probably best to order along with other parts so you don't double your cost with shipping. Depending on how much you pay for your supplies, the repair cost might be a fairly significant step toward a full replacement, but the solder paste will still be there when you need it next time and you'll have learned a new skill. I have a sacrificial RGB (different source and format) that I'll be getting the green from, and I'm debating eventually replacing that with an amber to see what sort of effects I can get from that.

    Someone has also requested a build that will require a mix of UV and white LEDs, so I'll try my hand and building a custom as well. (it's for a specific application that requires the UV)
    Last edited by jbkuma; 05-23-2017 at 10:06 AM.

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