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The Donald David, a Maine Lobster Boat, launched 1956

I am looking for some advice about wiring for led lites in the Donald David. I have encountered a number of LED lite failures that I think are due to me using incorrect sized resistors for LEDs, thus causing too high a voltage for the lights.. I started wiring some lights in series with a single resister but I am now thinking about single resistors for each individual LED except for the three led's in series for the cabin roof lights.
Please advise.
 
SAHaskell said:
I am looking for some advice about wiring for led lites in the Donald David. I have encountered a number of LED lite failures that I think are due to me using incorrect sized resistors for LEDs, thus causing too high a voltage for the lights.. I started wiring some lights in series with a single resister but I am now thinking about single resistors for each individual LED except for the three led's in series for the cabin roof lights.
Please advise.
Click to expand...


I have dozens of LED's wired on my Large Scale railroad. I use a 1000 ohm resistor and 9 to 12 volts DC as a power source.

This is s photo of a simple LD circuit found on the internet.

Screenshot 2026-05-01 at 10.48.44 PM.jpeg

The battery (DC Input) can vary from 1.5 to 12 volts depending on the size of the resister and brightness of the LED.

If you do a simple Google search for "LED Circuits" you'll find a lot of helpful info.

Jan
 
I am in the process of setting up the wiring fir The Donald David. Thanks to Steve Down Under and to Jan for their kindness. I appreciate all the kind help. I will be setting up the electronic controls soon. I have been searching through hundreds of resistors to to find the ideal resistor for each of the seven LED lights that are in place. Progress has been slowed a little lately with all the family actives, but those are great.
Happy modeling,
Steve
 
Good morning, to all,
I am wondering if there are any electrical connectors that an LED can be plugged into, rather than soldering the LED's to the wires. If so, it would be much nicer than unsoldering a burned out LED and soldering in a new led.
All help and suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Happy modeling
Steve Haskell
 
SAHaskell said:
Good morning, to all,
I am wondering if there are any electrical connectors that an LED can be plugged into, rather than soldering the LED's to the wires. If so, it would be much nicer than unsoldering a burned out LED and soldering in a new led.
All help and suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Happy modeling
Steve Haskell
Click to expand...
I don't know how your LED's are mounted, but I would look into "Transistor sockets". The legs of the LED fit nicely into one of those. I used quite a few of those on my RR layout.
 
Thank you Jan. I will look into to those. I appreciate your help.

Happy modelling.
Steven
Pathfinder65 said:
I don't know how your LED's are mounted, but I would look into "Transistor sockets". The legs of the LED fit nicely into one of those. I used quite a few of those on my RR layout.
Click to expand...
Can you tell me where I can purchase transistor sockets
Steve
 
SAHaskell said:
Thank you Jan. I will look into to those. I appreciate your help.

Happy modelling.
Steven

Can you tell me where I can purchase transistor sockets
Steve
Click to expand...
Years ago I purchased quite a number of them from All Electronics in California. I don't know if they are still in business.

These are what I'm talking about. I used two of the three contacts for two lead LED's or all three contacts for RG LED's.

IMG_5408.jpeg

I can send some to you if want to try these. BTW what color LED's are you using??
 
Last edited:
Thanks for the LED info Jan! It is very helpful and much appreciated.
Yesterday we were quite busy grooming and bathing our two dogs.

I found that the original company went out of business and was purchased by a group of former workers there. They named the company
aretronics.com

Aretronics ~ Electronic and Electro-Mechanical Parts and Supplies

Find any kind of electronic component or part you need all in one place. Order electric parts and components at Aretronics.com today! ~ Electronic and Electro-Mechanical Parts and Supplies at Discount Prices, Online Shop, California, United States! Call +1 (818) 740-1250
aretronics.com aretronics.com
I will be looking up their phone number so I can place an order. Thanks for your kind help, it is greatly appreciated.

Happy Modeling
Steven
 
Hello Jan.
I am assuming you shipped the LED components as planned today and I expect it will take 3 to 5 days to arrive in Wisconsin.
Thanks again.
Your kind assistance is greatly appreciated.

Happy modeling.
Steven
 
SAHaskell said:
Hello Jan.
I am assuming you shipped the LED components as planned today and I expect it will take 3 to 5 days to arrive in Wisconsin.
Thanks again.
Your kind assistance is greatly appreciated.

Happy modeling.
Steven
Click to expand...
Hi Steven,

Our mail carrier picked up the envelope this afternoon. It should arrive Friday or Saturday.
 
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