Hey guys, long time lurker, first-time poster!
I am attempting to create a loong string of non-HP, T-1 3mm LEDs as they would make great spotlights for an Amiibo (little plastic figures) shelf I'm building. I ordered 25 of these (3mm 3.3v 20mA: Datasheet here) from Digi-Key just to play around with their brightness, angle, and to prototype the string.
My plan was to run them 4-to-a-series, on a parallel string of probably 28 or so sets. I chose this configuration because
I'm also to understand that sometimes low-quality benchtop PSU's can be unreliable at getting accurate draw readings (and Dr. Meter is certainly no hero...) but my multimeter seemed to confirm the phenomenon. I put this question to the measurement board because I have a hunch that I may be using my multimeter incorrectly to measure amperage and that my PSU's reading is wonky (it does seem to fluctuate when I turn output on/off). But honestly, I'm stuck! I don't want to proceed with ordering 100 more of these and wiring them up if they're actually drawing way more current than I'm currently seeing.
I am attempting to create a loong string of non-HP, T-1 3mm LEDs as they would make great spotlights for an Amiibo (little plastic figures) shelf I'm building. I ordered 25 of these (3mm 3.3v 20mA: Datasheet here) from Digi-Key just to play around with their brightness, angle, and to prototype the string.
My plan was to run them 4-to-a-series, on a parallel string of probably 28 or so sets. I chose this configuration because
- I already have a large 12v PSU sending power to a set of RGB LED strips as a backlight to the display, and it should have more than enough capacity left-over for these little guys.
- running each LED at 3v provides AMPLE luminosity for the display and I may even have to include a pot to dim the whole circuit, but that's separate from this issue.
I'm also to understand that sometimes low-quality benchtop PSU's can be unreliable at getting accurate draw readings (and Dr. Meter is certainly no hero...) but my multimeter seemed to confirm the phenomenon. I put this question to the measurement board because I have a hunch that I may be using my multimeter incorrectly to measure amperage and that my PSU's reading is wonky (it does seem to fluctuate when I turn output on/off). But honestly, I'm stuck! I don't want to proceed with ordering 100 more of these and wiring them up if they're actually drawing way more current than I'm currently seeing.