License Plate LEDs

by purpulhaze in Circuits > LEDs

13631 Views, 42 Favorites, 0 Comments

License Plate LEDs

100_0474.JPG
Have a few LEDs and resistors laying around. Why not convert your license plate lights to LEDs.

Gather the Tools & Parts

000_0021.JPG
Parts:
White 5mm LEDs (you determine how many to use)
¼ resistors (value determined by how many LEDs you use)
Proto Board

Tools:
Diagonal Cutters
Solder & Soldering Iron

Planning...

First you need to determine how many LEDs your going to use. Then use one of the many online led calculators to determine resistor value. Most of the calculators will even make a diagram as how to wire your LEDs.

Below is a link to one I often use.
http://led.linear1.org/led.wiz


Putting It Together

000_0020.JPG
100_0455.JPG
100_0452.JPG
000_0022.JPG
100_0456.JPG
I only used three LEDs to replace each bulb. The proto board is cut roughly the same size as the bulb that’s being replaced. They are wired in series. I placed the LEDs and resistor on the proto board as to how they would be connected. I then twisted the connections that are to be soldered.  Then I tested with a small 12 volt battery I had. Now that I know they work it’s time to solder. 

Test & Install...

100_0459.JPG
100_0461.JPG
100_0469.JPG
100_0470.JPG
100_0474.JPG
Now just clip the twisted ends you soldered and test again. The positive and negative leads that extend from the end are folded over so they fit nice and snug into the plug.