how do I know how to power an LED?

[patrick99e99]

Hi,

I just got a RL5-UV2030 405 nm ultra-violet led 20mw, and I want to know what the best type of battery to use to power it is. I am going to be putting it inside the base of a narrow plastic tube to light it up, so the smaller the battery the better.

I also need to know what sort of resistor I will need..

-patrick

 

[crutschow]

I assume you will operate it at 20mA. The length of time you want it to run off the battery will determine the battery size and type.

 

[ghostman11]

Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) that should get you going

actualy if you look at the links at the bottom of the page i gave if your new to electronics its a good basic site that explains well