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Re: Let's talk about LEDs

Posted: Tue Jan 19, 2016 7:46 pm
by crochambeau
crochambeau wrote:I prefer bezel free, helps to drill the enclosure hole a few mics too small and press fit it into place.

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Regarding everything else: :snax:
So, in light of a voiced opinion indicating bezel free LEDs that sit proud of the surface of the enclosure give a build an unfinished look, I experimented with sinking the LED and bathing it in clear epoxy. The over spill at edges is amongst the worst of the lot, but having the epoxy dome a bit does wonders for off axis viewing. This is a process, and would probably add like $5 to the pedal, is it even worth pursuing?

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Re: Let's talk about LEDs

Posted: Tue Jan 19, 2016 9:01 pm
by Jero
Hah, don't take it too hard. I don't think they look bad if nice and snug like yours. It does look nice with the epoxy as well however.

Recently I used hot glue in a similar manner as you, in order to get the light to refract a bit, but I then laid a decal over top. Has a nice effect...

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Re: Let's talk about LEDs

Posted: Tue Jan 19, 2016 9:10 pm
by Snufkino
Wow, how did you get that stained glass effect?

Also, what are you guys using to goop the legs of LED's with? I tried some silicon grease but it's kind of dry and lumpy. I'm after something more like a gel that sets.

Re: Let's talk about LEDs

Posted: Tue Jan 19, 2016 9:22 pm
by crochambeau
Yeah, that decal looks incredible, love it every time I see it.

I didn't treat the legs of the LED in the process I undertook, beyond poking them through masking tape to keep the epoxy from running down and out the bottom (which it will do, pic is a before, the after has some free form gunk where the tape was scrunched up). For structural purposes my "bezel" was a threaded insert JB welded to the case.

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I usually go with heat shrink if I have to insulate the legs.

Re: Let's talk about LEDs

Posted: Wed Jan 20, 2016 12:56 am
by Jero
Snufkino wrote:Wow, how did you get that stained glass effect?
Also, what are you guys using to goop the legs of LED's with? I tried some silicon grease but it's kind of dry and lumpy. I'm after something more like a gel that sets.
Normally you don't have to goop the legs, as bezels come with a plastic insert often times. Some not as good as others. Hot glue is what I would recommend though. Dries faster than most other goop type things. Could also try something like rtv or even silicon caulk.
crochambeau wrote:Yeah, that decal looks incredible, love it every time I see it.
I didn't treat the legs of the LED in the process I undertook, beyond poking them through masking tape to keep the epoxy from running down and out the bottom (which it will do, pic is a before, the after has some free form gunk where the tape was scrunched up). For structural purposes my "bezel" was a threaded insert JB welded to the case. I usually go with heat shrink if I have to insulate the legs.
Smart thinking using that t-nut for the bezel :cool:

Re: Let's talk about LEDs

Posted: Wed Jan 20, 2016 9:57 am
by Jwar
I just wish LED's were more stable and didn't burn out so easily. GOD! I can't tell you how many I've burned through. It's a lot. LOL. It's my fault though, almost every time. hahahaha

Re: Let's talk about LEDs

Posted: Wed Jan 20, 2016 11:09 am
by crochambeau
jwar wrote:I just wish LED's were more stable and didn't burn out so easily. GOD! I can't tell you how many I've burned through. It's a lot. LOL. It's my fault though, almost every time. hahahaha
What sort of limiting resistor do you tend to go for?

Re: Let's talk about LEDs

Posted: Wed Jan 20, 2016 1:22 pm
by Jwar
2.2k usually. I still manage to fry them one way or another. LOL

Re: Let's talk about LEDs

Posted: Wed Jan 20, 2016 1:39 pm
by Teej212
I usually go with 10k for ultra brights and 1k for regular red leds

Re: Let's talk about LEDs

Posted: Wed Jan 20, 2016 6:40 pm
by Snufkino
jwar wrote:I just wish LED's were more stable and didn't burn out so easily. GOD! I can't tell you how many I've burned through. It's a lot. LOL. It's my fault though, almost every time. hahahaha
I always attach a crocodile clip to anything sensitive to help draw the heat away.

Re: Let's talk about LEDs

Posted: Wed Jan 20, 2016 10:53 pm
by Jero
Teej212 wrote:I usually go with 10k for ultra brights and 1k for regular red leds
:thumb: unless I run out or something close enough is right there.

Think I used like 18k on a superbright once and it was still, well, bright.