|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Using white LEDs on the lamp panel
|
|
|
|
Some users have asked us whether it is possible to use bright white LEDs
on the Enigma-E lamp panel. You may find the standard yellow LEDs a bit dim
and you may want to improve on this. We haven't supplied white LEDs in the
kit, simply because of their price; they would probably make your Enigma-E
kit twice as expensive. If you are still interested, please read on.
|
|
|
The lamp panel of the Enigma-E is scanned, which means that only one LED
is lit at any one time. This includes the displays and the LEDs next to it.
In other words: the time is divided over all LEDs.
For this reason we need to use low-current high-brightness LEDs. The yellow
LEDs supplied in the kit are suitable for this purpose and come at a fair
price.
Update: All kits from serial number 503 onwards are now supplied with
high-brightness yellow LEDs, so for these people there is no need to use
white LEDs.
|
White LEDs have become available during the past few years, but they are
quite expensive and their quality varies. We did some research in this
area and we've just found the right LEDs for the job. It's a 3 mm LED,
exactly the same size as the current ones, and it's white. But what's more:
it produces about 10 times as much light as the existing LEDs, without
changing the circuitry!
➤ Kingbright, L-934PWC, Datasheet
➤ AND, AND262HW, Datasheet
|
If you have already mounted your yellow LEDs and want to replace them by
white ones, please be careful when removing the old ones. The PCB has tracks
at both sides and has trough-plated holes which are likely to get damaged
when you apply too much force or heat. They are best removed using
professional de-soldering equipment. If you don't have access to such a tool,
try to find someone who does. Don't forget to disconnect the Enigma-E from
its power source before you start!
If you are a very experienced hobbyist you may want to replace the LEDs
without a de-soldering station. If so, try to heat both pins of an LED
at the same time, and pull the LED from the top side of the PCB. Next, clean
the pads on the PCB and clear the holes.
Now put the white LEDs in and remember to fit them the right way around.
When in doubt, please consult the manual before continuing. Once the legs
of the LEDs are soldered, cut the legs to about 1 or 2 mm from the solder
pad. Once you've replaced all LEDs, turn the Enigma-E on and see if it works.
|
|
|
Where do I get white LEDs?
|
|
|
|
The Kinbright LEDs we suggested on this page can be obtained from many
dealers all over the world. As Kingbright is one of the largest manufacturers
of LEDs, most countries should have a representative. Some of these are
listed below. Other manufacturers may produce suitable equivalents to this
LED, but please check carefully before ordering. The LEDs must by low-current
high-intensity and the opening angle should be at least 20 degrees (35 degrees
would be better though).
|
- UK, Rapid Electronics
Rapid Electronics can supply the Kingbright range of LEDs.
Search for the L-934PWC as listed elsewhere on this page.
- USA, Allied Electronics
Allied electronics can supply a suitable white LED in the US.
Look for the AND262HW from AND, which is available as
Allied Electronics part number 505-9722.
|
|
|
|
Any links shown in red are currently unavailable.
If you like the information on this website, why not make a donation?
© Crypto Museum. Last changed: Tuesday, 05 August 2025 - 10:38 CET.
|
 |
|
|
|
