driving two different color leds with 2 wires only

dendad

Joined Feb 20, 2016
4,641
Do you ever get electrical storms near where this installation will be located? Might want to think about transient protection.
Yes. I was thinking of that too. We have had a number of occasions where RS485 networks have been zapped by lightning in the past. It may be a worth while option to opto-isolate the controller from the transistors, and use separate power supply. It can help a bit for a near miss but a close strike will fry it.
 

Danko

Joined Nov 22, 2017
2,181
Yes. I was thinking of that too. We have had a number of occasions where RS485 networks have been zapped by lightning in the past. It may be a worth while option to opto-isolate the controller from the transistors, and use separate power supply. It can help a bit for a near miss but a close strike will fry it.
LEDS.png
Edit: It should be limit current resistor in series with one wire of line.
 
Last edited:

mcgyvr

Joined Oct 15, 2009
5,394
Just use a double pole relay (2 form C) to toggle polarity..
Relay energized = LED 1 on
Relay deenergized = LED 2 on..

same thing for forward/reverse motor control.
 

ElectricSpidey

Joined Dec 2, 2017
3,340
I'm pretty sure he said he wanted to do this on the cheap...so to speak.

"I do want to keep the cost to minimum, so I don't really want to use a h-bridge, relay etc"
 

Thread Starter

bug13

Joined Feb 13, 2012
2,002
Do you ever get electrical storms near where this installation will be located? Might want to think about transient protection.
We are in a peaceful little islands in the southern hemisphere. I can't remember the last time we have it, so I guess I am safe.
 

ScottWang

Joined Aug 23, 2012
7,503
Here is the updated circuit, thought?

View attachment 141122
How about the relationship between inputs and Ground, do the IO_A, IO_B has any wire connected to Ground or the inputs only have IO_A, IO_B, if you only using two wires connected to the transistor Q1 and Q2 then the Q1 and Q2 do not like two transistors to the LEDs, the transistors just like two diodes from Base to Collector and to the LEDs, it means that the two transistors don't work like the switches any more.
 

Thread Starter

bug13

Joined Feb 13, 2012
2,002
How about the relationship between inputs and Ground, do the IO_A, IO_B has any wire connected to Ground...
Yes. The inputs are IO_A, IO_B, and GND. Circuit on the left (R1, R2, R5, R6, Q1 and Q2) are local. Sorry for the confusion.
 

Danko

Joined Nov 22, 2017
2,181
How about the relationship between inputs and Ground, do the IO_A, IO_B has any wire connected to Ground or the inputs only have IO_A, IO_B, if you only using two wires connected to the transistor Q1 and Q2 then the Q1 and Q2 do not like two transistors to the LEDs, the transistors just like two diodes from Base to Collector and to the LEDs, it means that the two transistors don't work like the switches any more.
Never thought of doing a h-bridge that way, thanks for the idea! I may use this because it's more efficient.
Yes. The inputs are IO_A, IO_B, and GND. Circuit on the left (R1, R2, R5, R6, Q1 and Q2) are local. Sorry for the confusion.
It was idea only. Now I am working on simulation.
 

Danko

Joined Nov 22, 2017
2,181
If the Vf of LED is 3V, how about when the inputs voltage are different as IO_A=0V, IO_B=3.3V(or 5V), or IO_A=3.3V(or 5V), IO_B=0V, do you think will the LEDs be damaged by inputs voltage?
Good questions. It vas idea only. Now I finished simulation. Seems R5 = 1.2 k as current limiter is too big - current is 0.7 mA only.
When resistor R5 = 100 Ohm, LED's current is 20 mA.
New Microsoft Office Visio Drawing.png
 

Danko

Joined Nov 22, 2017
2,181
If the Vf of LED is 3V, how about when the inputs voltage are different as IO_A=0V, IO_B=3.3V(or 5V), or IO_A=3.3V(or 5V), IO_B=0V, do you think will the LEDs be damaged by inputs voltage?
Please, explain me, your questions are about post #24 or about post #33. I am confused.
 
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