"Michael Kennedy" wrote in message
. ..

"James Sweet" wrote in message
news:Y7Alj.8931$4b6.560@trndny08...

"Victory" wrote in message
...
I guess I am looking for a dimmer or something for it - just a dial
that can turn the light up to full or down a little depending on what
I want. But I want it to be controllable with a dial or something. I
hope that is clearer.
Thanks for the quick response and looking forward to the next one!



You want a variable resistor. The value depends on the particular LED but
you might try 2.5K or 5K.


Yes, James ie right. You don't want a varible resistor like I said. You
want a variable resistor. haha. I'm terrible at typing.

Mike


It may not work with a simple variable resistor because at higher settings,
the current will increase enough to probably just burn out the small piece
of the pot track that's still in circuit. A fixed resistor will also still
be needed to limit the full brightness current. In order to get a decent
control range, without risk of over-running the pot's track and wiper, I
would suggest that a small transistor needs throwing into the mix to control
the LED current, whilst the pot is left the low-current job of controlling
the transistor's base. If I get time today, I'll give it a try.

Arfa