Atari start button LED...

learpilot2

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I have a burned out start button LED on my asteroids. I was able to remove it, and replace it with a RED LED from Radio Shack (T-1 3mm, 3 volt, 15ma, 2.5mcd). It works great except it is a little to bright, and casts an annoying red glow. I am thinking I need a clear LED like the one that came out of it. Does anyone know what the rating is for the original asteroids LED, or where I can get one?

Thanks,
Rick
 
While not the technical answer you're looking for, you might be able to just put a little translucent white paint on the bulb...? :confused: Just an idea. I thought they were 5V, but that's from my bad memory... And with 5V going to a 3V bulb, yeah, it's gonna be really bright. And probably burn out quick.
 
When I looked at my switches, the LED is a frosted one. Thus if your Radio Shack is not, and high intensity, that is the reason it is too bright.

You can remove it and scuff it with sandpaper, to mimic the frosted LED and defuse some of the light.

Otherwise, Riptor has the complete switches.

Nice site Riptor, I will probably some things from you too. I am on it now looking actually!
 
Led color

The LED I removed was a WHITE LED that was frosted. The LED I got from Radio Shack was a RED LED. That is why I am having so much trouble with a red glow during the blinking. I think a white LED through a red button colored lens gives a lower intensity than a RED LED through a RED button lens. I am not sure what the original LED specs are for the Atari buttons. I think I need a WHITE LED, and I am having trouble finding one for sale without the button attached. I hate to order the whole switch when the LED is so easy to replace.

Thanks for the info.

Rick
 
I assume there's already a resistor in line (on the board or in the wiring or something), or it would have burned up by now... but you could add one at the button to dim it a little, if you can make it fit.

DogP
 
I'd probably start at 1K ohm, then 100 ohm, and from those two values you could probably guess about what value you'd want. I'd probably just shove the resistor lead into the connector and touch it to the LED connector on the switch, then when you find the one you like, just make it permanent (you could probably crimp a male and female quick disconnect together with the resistor like an adapter). Then you don't have to worry about trying to fit it inside, or hacking any wiring.

DogP
 
Voltage of LEDS?

I am using 3 volt LEDS. I heard that the voltage was less than 5V from the board. Is that right? Maybe 5 Volts into a 3 Volt LED is my problem. Had trouble finding 5V LEDS.
 
A resistor in series with the LED will drop the voltage down to where the LED likes it. If you run the LED without a resistor in series, it will see the full 5V and will not be happy. Also, LEDs typically are around 2V +/- a volt.

I am using 3 volt LEDS. I heard that the voltage was less than 5V from the board. Is that right? Maybe 5 Volts into a 3 Volt LED is my problem. Had trouble finding 5V LEDS.
 
Are LEDS 5v?

My LEDS are 3V. Is the input to the start buttons 5V? That may be why my 3V LEDS are so bright. I thought the output voltage from the pcb was lower for start buttons - 2.5V ish. I am having a hard time finding 5V LEDS. They all seem to be rated around 2.5-3.0Volts
 
My LEDS are 3V. Is the input to the start buttons 5V? That may be why my 3V LEDS are so bright. I thought the output voltage from the pcb was lower for start buttons - 2.5V ish. I am having a hard time finding 5V LEDS. They all seem to be rated around 2.5-3.0Volts

A resistor in series with the LED will drop the voltage down to where the LED likes it. Just put a resistor in series. You don't need a 5V LED even if the signal from the board is 5V. With the resistor is series the voltage at the LED will drop down to where it needs to be.
 
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