My goal is to light a string of LEDs efficiently. I talked with someone else who is doing something similar and came up with the attached image. I understand the number of LEDs I can light depends on their forward voltage but is this generally a good idea?
Also I realize that an excess of current can fry an LED, but what about excess voltage? IE, if I only hooked up 3 LEDs to line voltage (rectified and filtered) will this fry the LEDs? (Assuming I use the LM317 to limit current to the current specified for the LEDs) Or will the bleeder resistor and filter cap absorb this? Also should I be concerned about variations in line voltage?
Finally, say I wanted to add more LEDs, could I just use a step up transformer? Would this be a good idea or should I just start a second string?
I'd also apreciate any other tips that anyone might have as I'm mostly a novice when it comes to electronics. Thanks.
Also I realize that an excess of current can fry an LED, but what about excess voltage? IE, if I only hooked up 3 LEDs to line voltage (rectified and filtered) will this fry the LEDs? (Assuming I use the LM317 to limit current to the current specified for the LEDs) Or will the bleeder resistor and filter cap absorb this? Also should I be concerned about variations in line voltage?
Finally, say I wanted to add more LEDs, could I just use a step up transformer? Would this be a good idea or should I just start a second string?
I'd also apreciate any other tips that anyone might have as I'm mostly a novice when it comes to electronics. Thanks.
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