Modding cd-rom/floppy led's

Discussion in 'Modding' started by Jiffey, 26 Oct 2001.

  1. Jiffey

    Jiffey What's a Dremel?

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    Hey, I'm just wondering how to go about swapping out the default LED's on my CD-rom and floppy drives with ultra bright blue led's? Is it a simple process? I'm only using my plextor cd-rw drive right now, as I can use it for boot disks and don't need a floppy drive anymore. Are there any cords involved in the process? Does the LED get soldered right into the drive itself and draw power through it? If theres a guide to this, point me to it.

    Thanks,
    -Jiffey
     
    Jiffey, 26 Oct 2001
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  2. Jiffey

    Jiffey What's a Dremel?

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    hmm

    http://www.bit-tech.net/?page=article&id=18

    Just found that. How can I tell which leg goes where on the floppy or CD-rom drive, as in which is the anode and which is the cathode (I think those are the terms that apply..) I've already done the led mod for my power and hdd lights, this one seems like a piece of cake compared to those (and those were easy too...so this one would take me 2sec once I have all the stuff together)

    Thanks
     
    Jiffey, 26 Oct 2001
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  3. Jamie

    Jamie ex-Bit-Tech code junkie

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    long leg of the led is positive, i think that the smaller metal bit inside the led is positive side just incase the legs are the same length.

    Every floppy/cd-rom is different, basically carefully take the faceplaye off your drive and have a look. Alot of ppl have caused their floppy drives to die after changing to a blue LED. Seeing as I never use mine i just left it green :/

    Just be careful and dont gt solder anywhere but on the contacts
     
    Jamie, 26 Oct 2001
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  4. Jiffey

    Jiffey What's a Dremel?

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    bleh

    After taking the front off my cd-rw, I realized it doesn't use your basic led, but one of those gay block ones that are somehow connected directly with no wires. Looks like I'll have to pass on this one for a while...
     
    Jiffey, 26 Oct 2001
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  5. Jamie

    Jamie ex-Bit-Tech code junkie

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    dont give up ......

    the legs are usually soldered direct into the pcb ... just get out that soldering iron.
    You can buy those blocks ones from RS (www.rswww.com or somin like that) but maybe you could just use a 3mm led ..... I'm sure it would probably work ;)
     
    Jamie, 27 Oct 2001
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  6. Jiffey

    Jiffey What's a Dremel?

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    Well I can get to that later, but right now I need to get this stealth plate going, as I accidently snapped off the actual little panel to the tray...didn't expect it to do that. I can't find any guides on how to do this, help please?
     
    Jiffey, 27 Oct 2001
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  7. IamChickenlittl

    IamChickenlittl What's a Dremel?

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    I am sure this is too late to help you but, maybe someone else will benifit. Radio Shack has conductive glue or soldering glue. I am ok with a soldering iron but, this glue is so much easier to use...especially with small things that aren't essential. No I wouldn't use it to fix an electrical connection to my brakes but a diode won't kill you....

    Hope this helped
     
    IamChickenlittl, 30 Oct 2001
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