I am hoping someone can assist me or let me know if it is even possible--
I need to light 2 different types of LEDs with 1 switch. Below is a sketch of what I need to do, the clouded area and wiring is what I need assistance with. the constant current circuit is one I found here and have been using for a few years. http://www.instructables.com/id/Circuits-for-using-High-Power-LED-s/
(I cannot use a single 12V supply - tried but blows the 3W Led, supply voltage is two high for constant current circuit for 3W LED)

So, question: is it possible to have 2 power supplies 1 switch and 2 outputs. Basically 2 circuits through one switch? If so how do I wire the switch?

 

 

Thank you Scott, is there not a way to do it with the switch shown? If I run both positives through the switch and negatives back to their respective battery pack will the voltage not split ? Or will the difference in current cause an issue? Sorry if some of this is basic. I am a tinkerer and my knowlege is self taught and much trial and error.

 

You can using two different kinds of switches, the one is 6 pins push and latch switch, this one will moving to the same direction when you push it to ON/OFF, the other one is 6 pins Miniature Toggle Switch, this one will moving to the different direction when you shaking its handle to ON/OFF.

When you push or shaking the switch then the switch will become ON or OFF, choosing 6 pins and two sets of switches -- DPDT, because they are two sets, each of them has one common pin and two pins in different position, each times only one position pin connected with common pin, you just connect the pins shown in #2 and then the switch will choosing different battery and led with constant current source.

 

I need to have both circuits and all leds lit when button is latched. All on/all off.

 

You just connected the two position pins of two sets switches to the same direction and you will get them all ON or OFF, this circuit will show you the switch as real position.

 

How about using a couple of LM317 ICs as the constant current circuits?
http://www.bristolwatch.com/ccs/LM317.htm
Just set up one for each current you need, and run from 12V.
Each string of smaller LEDs could just run via a series resistor unless you really need constant light output.


A switch mode constant current circuit would be better efficiency wise, but the LM317s are easier.
The constant current circuits will both work of the 12V ok, but it will get hot. 6V may be better.
Are you going to use 12V or 6V?

http://www.instructables.com/id/Poormans-Buck/

 

Thanks dendad! I think that looks similar to the constant current circuits I made. I like that site and may need to try a few of those! So update on what I did-- I drew the circuit up in 2 online circuit simulators both simulations came back with 6v per side. So I wired both + going into the switch and wired - to their respective battery packs. After the switch each leg has its own current regulator. Testing the voltage each leg was within the proper range as predicted by the simulation. I hooked up the leds and all appears to be working as planned!!