Modding HDD Power LED

I don't think that the HDD-led pulsates when it seems to be constantly on, at least from what I can make of this article.

All I can think of is to somehow transmit the info from MBM to a paralellport or something, as 4 different readouts, or as many as you need. (1 for 0%-25%, 2 for 25% to 50% etc), and then use that to light the leds in some way.

 

Another possible way is to use a leaky capacitor (ie in parallel with a resistor) that charges from the HDA led supply to a level proportional to HDD activity. Then use a LM3914 bargraph ic or analogue meter to display the voltage. Factually meaningless but pretty.

 

I did a circuit for this in my old black case. Unfortunately I can't find the circuit diagram. Rather than design it again I will reverse engineer the board I made when I gat a mo'

 

If i just want 1 output...how simple is that? Could I put 12v through it?

 

Nice article Macro up to the normal standard I see

Biggie

 

what I mean by that is one output for when the HDD is on and one for when its off...

 

You don't have to use all the outputs. Those you don't want, leave unconnected.

 

Rich - Email me.

 

excellent

 

Which Richard??

 

Excellent Mod Macro! Supremely well done!

 

You of course

 

LMAO sorry m8, you could have meant RTT or about 3 others on/around

Umm ive no money atm cause:

a) i have to buy new case fans - that's where my xmas money is going.
b) ive got no sound card, so need a new one and that's what im currently saving for

Could i get back 2 in around 6 weeks when its my birthday?? is that ok?

 

IT WORKS

My first post
and also, i just made this and its working fine... pretty cool indeed...

 

The red leds have gave out on me, was workin fine last night, ah well, will have to take it apart and look confused

 

I'm usin a mobo with raid built in and hence when usin raid there's no hdd led activity. Been lookin around for summin to do the job as replacement input for this circuit..... Found a likely looking non mercury vibration switch in Rapid Electronics' catalogue which I reckon could sit on top of one of the hdd's and generate the same effect as the hdd led output on mobo.
The order code for it is 78-0767 and is on page 509 of their current catalogue... what u reckon?
Thx

 

LEDs in series

MacroMan,

I noticed that the LEDs are in series; how much wire did you put between them (approximately)? Also, how much wire did you use for the 12V return on the anode side?
Lastly, how did you affix the LEDs for the grill and window on your case? Thanks for all your advice.

HappyHark

 

If it helps when i did mine i just soldered the legs of the LED's together (after bending them), heatshrink the legs, then put a large heatshrink tube over the pair to hold them together. And held them behind the grill on me ATCS 200 with double sided sticky pads. And the Red LED's have started workin again, odd

 

macroman

Your mods are nothing short of fantastic. You are definitely "DA MAN" when it come to this stuff.

Do you think you could give me the same deal on making the basic HDD Power LED that you are offering Bindibadgi?

Naturally I'll pay for all the parts and a little something extra wouldn't hurt either
You tell me what the "extra" should be.

Bindibadgi is probably a personal friend, but I am in a worse position, no electronic knowledge/experience at all, plus I'm in the U.S. and would probably have a hard time getting the parts since the part numbers in your article would not match Radio Shack or other electronics store here in the U.S.

I would probably end up frying my whole computer if I tried to make it

Thanks for your consideration.

Jerry

 

Ok electronic gurus, surely there is a nice simple circuit someone can mock up just for 1 or 2 leds, so more people can use it.

I assume you only used one in the macro black case dood.