I am looking to connect multiple LEDs to my HD activity header on my motherboard. I am looking to uses these LEDs (http://www.thinkgeek.com/pcmods/lighting/809e/) but I know I just can't splice them into the motherboard. Can someone please let me know if what I want to do is possible. If so how? Thanks.
Well, I'd use a relay. Connect the + (That should go to a led) to the relay, and connect the 12v (or is it 5?) to the relay, and then from the relay to the leds. Should do it. I aint that good at that stuff tho :/
would the relay be able to pulse fastest enough with out destroying the contacts? what about an opto-coupler and some transistors?
Hi Tornaxl, Use an optoisolator, as suggested by Linear: http://case-mods.linear1.org/hdd-header-hints/ ARM
Thanks for the replies. However, I am lost with this optoisolator stuff. If someone can provide a simple diagram of how to connect the HD leads to the optoisolator then to the 12v lead off the LEDs it would help out a ton. Thanks
A relay won't work, there's only about 10mA available. Opto-isolator is the best way. Most optoisolators won't carry the current for several LEDs in parallel so you need to add a current-boost transistor as shown in a few similar threads. Get the opto datasheet to sort out the pins.
the other reason i would not use a relay is that when the switch they make a clicking noise. which would be very anoying if switching at those speeds.
