Halloween is about here. Need to make the eyes on my SO's spider glow. Now and again I would like to make them flash as brightly as possibly.
Will use common red 5mm LEDs. Max forward current 20mA continuous, 5VDC Max reverse Voltage. 2VDC (typ) Forward voltage drop.
The question I have is how much current can I expect to push through the LEDs if it is only for a fraction of a second ? If it is more then the 25mA that each PIC pin can drive, is it OK to tie 2 pins together and use that to feed the current limiting resistor and LED? If it is more then 50mA I will use transistors.
I could just start experimenting but some ballpark numbers would be nice to start with. It would not be a big deal to have to replace an LED.
Will use common red 5mm LEDs. Max forward current 20mA continuous, 5VDC Max reverse Voltage. 2VDC (typ) Forward voltage drop.
The question I have is how much current can I expect to push through the LEDs if it is only for a fraction of a second ? If it is more then the 25mA that each PIC pin can drive, is it OK to tie 2 pins together and use that to feed the current limiting resistor and LED? If it is more then 50mA I will use transistors.
I could just start experimenting but some ballpark numbers would be nice to start with. It would not be a big deal to have to replace an LED.