How many mcd (brightness) were the LEDs?
I am contemplating doing a bunch of LEDs for my JVC JR S600. There is about 10 indicator lamps, 8v, 70ma or so.
I am trying to decide which LEDs to use.
Also, how do you know if the current is AC or DC (whether or not to use a diode?)
Your power source for the display lights comes off the transformer and will most likely be AC. No need for diodes. Just find out what the voltage is to the individual bulbs, and use the apropriate resistor on either the positive or negative lead of the new led. A meter will tell you if it is ac or dc, but again, most likely it is ac.
I also bought the leds on ebay. They came with resistors for a 12 volt source to prevent the leds from burning out. I did use different resistors as I think my electrical supply was less than that. Can't remember.
A little experimentation will help. You could even use a bridge diode (rectifier)at the source of your power to the lights if you have the room. Now you will have the dc power. Then figure out what your voltage is after the bridge diode/retifier, then use the apropriate matched resistor.
There are websites that show led circuits, they even have conversion charts to let you plug in a certian supply voltage, your led voltage, etc. It will then compute what value of resistor you will need to use. This link does both, lets you design a series or parrallel circuit, computes the value of resistors, and show the diagram:
http://led.linear1.org/1led.wiz
Like I mentioned earlier, the AC flicker is not that bad. It looked a little "fuzzy" with the receiver cover off, but once everything was covered back up, the display looks great. I got a pic somewhere, will try and post it this weekend, but the appearance is very similiar to the original poster's pic.