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Thread: Help me change LED bulb please!

  1. #1
    Borat
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    Help me change LED bulb please!

    Hey guys and girls I hope

    I have external hard drive enclosure which lights up in blue, but I would like to change LED bulb so it lights up red. I have no idea which bulb I need, but I know its a 3 pin led. http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/9057/dsc00621ni.jpg
    Sousing from : http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/2880/dsc006302.jpg

    Could you please advise me how to change this Tri-colour LED to work in RED, or alternative red LED.

    I can get voltmeter to measure ΔV, λ etc, if you tell me how to operate it.


    PS. I am a TOTAL noob in electronics! Although I will be able to use a solder!
    Last edited by Borat; 12th November 2009 at 02:01 PM.
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  2. #2
    madhippiescientist
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    It's likely a two color LED, with one lead
    being a common (-) and the other two being
    it's anodes (+), one for each color. I would
    not suggest tying the two anodes together
    because this may cause problems with the
    internal circuitry that's driving the LEDs.
    Maybe, when the LED comes on, take your
    meter to the pins to figure out which pin is
    positive (and which is negative) and hook up
    a normal two pin RED LED to those pins (take
    your measurement with the most active LED
    being lit or when the blue one lights up.
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  3. #3
    kpatz
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    Does it light up in one color to indicate power on and another color to indicate drive activity?

    If it's a red/blue LED, and it lights blue and flashes red (may look purple when the blue is lit) during drive activity, you may be able to switch the red and blue wires. Then the red will indicate power and the blue drive activity.
    Last edited by kpatz; 12th November 2009 at 01:15 PM.
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  4. #4
    Borat
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    Quote Originally Posted by kpatz View Post
    Does it light up in one color to indicate power on and another color to indicate drive activity?

    If it's a red/blue LED, and it lights blue and flashes red (may look purple when the blue is lit) during drive activity, you may be able to switch the red and blue wires. Then the red will indicate power and the blue drive activity.
    Thanks for replies guys!
    The LED is always blue (see through with no power ON), it constantly flashes, being a small flash even when HD is inactive and stronger, brighter flash, when HD is spinning, being used
    Last edited by Borat; 12th November 2009 at 01:30 PM.
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  5. #5
    Borat
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    3 Pins just means it's a multi colour LED?
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  6. #6
    Borat
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    Quote Originally Posted by madhippiescientist View Post
    It's likely a two color LED, with one lead
    being a common (-) and the other two being
    it's anodes (+), one for each color. I would
    not suggest tying the two anodes together
    because this may cause problems with the
    internal circuitry that's driving the LEDs.
    Maybe, when the LED comes on, take your
    meter to the pins to figure out which pin is
    positive (and which is negative) and hook up
    a normal two pin RED LED to those pins (take
    your measurement with the most active LED
    being lit or when the blue one lights up.
    But then it wouldn't flash when HD is active, not fun!
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  7. #7
    madhippiescientist
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    Quote Originally Posted by Borat View Post
    But then it wouldn't flash when HD is active, not fun!
    He could use a flashing red LED !



    Also, you say the LED flashes at two
    different rates/intensities? Maybe that's
    why there are two pins?? It may be two
    different flasher chips in the same LED...

    I would suggest determining the anode
    of the LED/flasher you want to be red, and
    hook up an LED there (don't forget cathode)
    but then you'll lose the other one's "actvity".
    I would go for the "when active" lead !
    Last edited by madhippiescientist; 13th November 2009 at 07:47 AM.
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  8. #8
    kpatz
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    You could replace the 3-pin LED with two 2-pin LEDs of the desired colors. Chances are one will be a power indicator and the other the HD active indicator.
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  9. #9
    Borat
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    Will these be suitable?
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  10. #10
    HiTech
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    I take it that you are this weirdo?

    Don't make me reach through this monitor to slap you a good one!
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  11. #11
    Borat
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    Quote Originally Posted by HiTech View Post
    I take it that you are this weirdo?

    LoL, "don't judge the book by it's cover", haven't your mum ever told you that?
    I really liked the movie, and by using a nickname such as "Borat" doesn't meant I look/speak or act like him!

    Can you help me to replace my current BLUE with alternative or same but RED LED?
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  12. #12
    birdman0_o
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    Im glad the picture doesnt have a rear view...
    Mike
    My website: www.ElectroBird.net
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