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Hello fellow photon junkies...
I've had a few projects that have yielded some spare 1W LEDs that I would like to repurpose as computer case lighting. I also have some bulk-bought AMC7135-based drivers at my disposal.
I am wondering, has anyone here ever tried to use a voltage divider to float one of these drivers so the circuit load (laser or LED) can run on a higher voltage than the regulator? See image below:
A few things to note:
Any thoughts would be great. If I'm crazy, let me know and I'll check myself into a rubber room. If not then I'll probably go resistor buying and get this thing working. I've recently finished a project where I used 1W LEDs for more of a functional purpose and it made me want to apply it in a more aesthetic approach.
Thanks folks!
UPDATE 17 June 2013...
This past Friday I slapped the circuit together to see if the LEDs would drive. The verdict is NO. I could measure the voltage drops across the LEDs, but the current simply would not flow. Oh well, at least we all know.
I've had a few projects that have yielded some spare 1W LEDs that I would like to repurpose as computer case lighting. I also have some bulk-bought AMC7135-based drivers at my disposal.
I am wondering, has anyone here ever tried to use a voltage divider to float one of these drivers so the circuit load (laser or LED) can run on a higher voltage than the regulator? See image below:
A few things to note:
- The 12VDC power is supplied by the PC's power supply. Plenty of overhead and clean power. Plus, battery life and circuit efficiency aren't as important here.
- I've measured the driver input and output leads and the positive (+) side is common throughout the circuit. Therefore I'm thinking it's controlled from the negative side.
- Size constraints not important. Big resistors will fit inside a computer case no problem.
- Output LEDs will be in two parallel banks with ballast resistors, to drop the current by half. I like running my LEDs at half max to reduce heat load and increase longevity.
Any thoughts would be great. If I'm crazy, let me know and I'll check myself into a rubber room. If not then I'll probably go resistor buying and get this thing working. I've recently finished a project where I used 1W LEDs for more of a functional purpose and it made me want to apply it in a more aesthetic approach.
Thanks folks!
UPDATE 17 June 2013...
This past Friday I slapped the circuit together to see if the LEDs would drive. The verdict is NO. I could measure the voltage drops across the LEDs, but the current simply would not flow. Oh well, at least we all know.
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