Help me change LED bulb please!

**Borat** · 12th November 2009 11:11 AM

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!

**madhippiescientist** · 12th November 2009 12:10 PM

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.

**kpatz** · 12th November 2009 12:12 PM

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.

**Borat** · 12th November 2009 12:29 PM

Originally Posted by kpatz

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

**Borat** · 12th November 2009 01:03 PM

3 Pins just means it's a multi colour LED?

**Borat** · 12th November 2009 01:10 PM

Originally Posted by madhippiescientist

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!

**madhippiescientist** · 13th November 2009 06:46 AM

Originally Posted by Borat

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 !

**kpatz** · 13th November 2009 01:09 PM

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.

**Borat** · 21st November 2009 02:26 PM

Will these be suitable?

**HiTech** · 24th November 2009 07:37 PM

I take it that you are this weirdo?

**Borat** · 25th November 2009 12:35 AM

Originally Posted by HiTech

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?

**birdman0_o** · 25th November 2009 12:56 AM

Im glad the picture doesnt have a rear view...

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