LED Anchor/nav light puzzle

[transmitterdan]

Originally Posted by poiu

SORTED!

This did the trick. I tried every possible combination and one just happened to work normally.

Wires are now re-labelled and this hopefully shouldn't happen again.

Thanks a lot for this suggestion and to everyone for their help and suggestions.

I still haven't a clue what could cause those funny voltages.

Glad you got it fixed. The "funny voltage" was actually a good clue. By grounding the wrong wire the true ground wire will become about 1/2 the battery voltage which in your case is about 14V. So it's not unexpected if the wrong wire is grounded.

[Phil A]

Originally Posted by Wotname

Thanks Phil A, it's been a long time since I have had to use google for any electronic information, I usually just use my own learned knowledge but I took your suggestion and guess what, the first three suggests your statement is wrong - as in "incorrect".

After that, I stopped reading but somehow I reckon the rest of them will agree.

To save you having to read them, here is a short extract form the third one
"A Light-Emitting-Diode (LED) is a P-N junction device (diode) that gives off light radiation when biased in the forward direction."

But perhaps you might still like to read more so here are some links so you can brush up on your knowledge of LEDs.

Basics about how LEDs work, how manufacturers characterize them, and how they are driven. | Components content from Electronic Design
Light-emitting diode - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
http://www.quantumdev.com/pdf/qf2-01.pdf

I really don't like eating crow, but in this case I will. I somehow was confusing Zener diodes with LEDs. Zener diodes conduct in reverse when the applied voltage reaches reverse avalanche. Sorry and thanks.

[Wotname]

Originally Posted by Phil A

I really don't like eating crow, but in this case I will. I somehow was confusing Zener diodes with LEDs. Zener diodes conduct in reverse when the applied voltage reaches reverse avalanche. Sorry and thanks.

No problem, all is good but you do have to buy the first beer next time I'm in town. Wait, I won't be in your town so never mind

[jimbunyard]

So is the take-home here that while directionality is not an issue when hooking them up singly, one should be mindful when wiring multiples that the current travels through them all in the same direction?

[Phil A]

Originally Posted by Wotname

No problem, all is good but you do have to buy the first beer next time I'm in town. Wait, I won't be in your town so never mind

I just returned early February from a three week trip to Aus & NZ. I'm guessing you're in Sydney or Carins? Had this blog happened before hand I would have gladly bought the beer. At any rate, do enjoy the sailing!!! parcco@aol.com

[transmitterdan]

Originally Posted by jimbunyard

So is the take-home here that while directionality is not an issue when hooking them up singly, one should be mindful when wiring multiples that the current travels through them all in the same direction?

It depends on the design. Most LED replacement bulbs for marine use don't care about polarity. But not all so you have to pay attention to the fine print. Many auto bulb LED replacements can be damaged by reverse polarity.

[Wotname]

Originally Posted by Phil A

I just returned early February from a three week trip to Aus & NZ. I'm guessing you're in Sydney or Carins? Had this blog happened before hand I would have gladly bought the beer. At any rate, do enjoy the sailing!!! parcco@aol.com

Bit further south - OK, a lot further south .
Southern Tassie!