Dual LED Aquaero question

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Top_Nurse

Senior Member

Dual LED Aquaero question

Monday, October 17th 2005, 12:26pm

Anyone know if I can run two or three sets of Aquaero Dual LED's off the same Aquaero LED connector?

I have three Aquatubes in FF and it would be nice if I could have the same lighting in all three if possible.

x-stars

God

Re: Dual LED Aquaero question

Monday, October 17th 2005, 1:39pm

As far as I know is it possible to connect at least 2 LEDs per connector (=4 LEDs=2 Dual-LEDs).
If you wish to connect more, you can do it by
1) using the multiswitch
2) using a small circuit with an opto-coppler (is this english? :

)

"Live free or die: Death is not the worst of evils."

Mr_modnaR

Full Member

Re: Dual LED Aquaero question

Monday, October 17th 2005, 4:35pm

Quoted

opto-coppler (is this english? : )

opto-coupler (this is english ;D)

(or opto-isolator)

Top_Nurse

Senior Member

Re: Dual LED Aquaero question

Tuesday, October 18th 2005, 11:37am

I forgot all about opto-couplers as I hadn't used them in a few years. They were used in my astronomy camera to connect it to an autoguider circuit on my mount. Isn't the opto-coupler either on or off only? I didn't think you could modulate the device so as to get a variable output. Or is there some way around this?

Will the Multiswitch give me the same dual LED light change from green > yellow > red as the Aquaero is programmable to do?

x-stars

God

Re: Dual LED Aquaero question

Tuesday, October 18th 2005, 1:16pm

Quoted

Will the Multiswitch give me the same dual LED light change from green > yellow > red as the Aquaero is programmable to do?

In the product description it's said, that the LED-connectors are dimable - I have no clue if there is a chance to dimm the LEDs by temperature, but if it's not already done, I'm pretty sure it will be done :

"Live free or die: Death is not the worst of evils."

Mr_modnaR

Full Member

Re: Dual LED Aquaero question

Wednesday, October 19th 2005, 10:57am

Quoted

Isn't the opto-coupler either on or off only?

yes i thought that too...

Top_Nurse

Senior Member

Re: Dual LED Aquaero question

Thursday, October 20th 2005, 9:36am

Quoted from "Mr_modnaR"

yes i thought that too...

I have to call my friend Sheila up at CSULA and ask her as she is an electrical engineer. I think there might be a way to modulate the opto-coupler with an analog signal. Let you know in a few days if it is possible.

Top_Nurse

Senior Member

Re: Dual LED Aquaero question

Saturday, October 22nd 2005, 3:39pm

Okay I need to know some more technical info about the LED output of the Aquaero. Is it a PWM or analog output?

IOW, what is changing when the Aquaero commands a dim or brighten sequence? Voltage or PWM?

Mr_modnaR

Full Member

Re: Dual LED Aquaero question

Saturday, October 22nd 2005, 8:28pm

almost definately, i'd guess analog.

if it were PWM, then you'd notice the leds flickering like an old tv set out of the corner of your eye!

Top_Nurse

Senior Member

Re: Dual LED Aquaero question

Sunday, October 23rd 2005, 12:30pm

Okay assuming it is analog then what is the maximum milliamps that the circuit can take without letting the magic smoke out? IIRC the Aquaero LED output is extremely bright. So much so that I decided to run my LEDS in through the sides of the Aquatubes. So I am wondering if the circuit can handle three pairs of LED's (6 total) at a less ampount of brightness?

Mr_modnaR

Full Member

Re: Dual LED Aquaero question

Sunday, October 23rd 2005, 2:21pm

well you could measure the single led's current draw, and then calculate what resistor you have to put in to keep it the same for three. (i assume you mean six leds as in three on each channel?)