When referring to LED`s what does viewing angle mean and what intensity is a good amount of light? Thanks
Some LEDs produce light that only shows directly out from the top of the LED. LEDs with wider viewing angles simply means one can see the light further and further from looking straight down into it. That is, very wide viewing angles will glow out of the side of the LED.
Can’t answer the other question. I just try different resistors until I get the intensity I desire for a given application. Many model railroading applications do not need the ultra-bright intensity.
Most LEDs are rated at 20ma max. I run most of mine at 10ma. There is a little difference in intensity. I usually start with 1k and go down to maybe 680 ohms. At 650 ohms the current is usually around 15 ma. I like to experiment until I get the intensity I like.
Rich
Common Radio Shack packaged are around 2000 to 4000 mcd, see the package. I went to a 6000 mcd to get a bright headlight using O scale AC. Now they are more brighter and more expensive. The latest is surface mount. Very small and ideal for lighting bought premounted because of the size.