What type of lamp/LED is best for mounting on my fascia for turnout indication? I want something that is easily installed, fairly flush, green, and can be mounted in a simple drill hole. Any suggestions/ manufacturer?
Radio Shack sells panel mounted LEDs, green, that fit in a 1/4 inch mounting hole, for under $1.50 including tax. They also have lots of LEDs, various colors and mounting styles, of other descriptions.
I’d suggest a short trip to your local Radio Shack to check out all the possibilities.
Chuck
I use regular T1 3/4 LEDs. I forget the exact hole size, but I just spread some matte medium on the LED’s base and press fit it in the hole. You can get them from:
Local Radio Shack (although they are the most expensive with a very limited selection.
These mail order firms are much cheaper, with a decent selection:
Demar Electronics: http://www.demarelectronics.com/
All Electronics: http://www.allelectronics.com/
Parts Express: http://www.partsexpress.com/
These mail order firms are more expensive, but have a very large selection:
Mouser Electronics: http://www.mouser.com/
Digi-Key: http://www.digikey.com/
Nick
I like these ones: http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062569&cp=&pg=2&kw=led&parentPage=search
They already have the correct resistor installed, and will fit into a 1/4" hole. They’re not exactly cheap, but I’ve been using them for 5 years, and none have failed yet. If you want orange or red ones, the 'Shack has those too.
I ordered a “lifetime supply” of dual-color, 3-lead Red/Green LED’s from http://www.demarelectronics.com for like a quarter each. I also got a bunch of the panel mounts for pennies. Resistors are extra. The Red/Green capability makes them ideal for turnout indicators, but if you just want green pilot lights you only need to wire 1 side.
I HIGHLY recommend the Miniatronics 5mm bicolor LEDs for panel mounting. I bought a couple packs of these and used the chrome plated 5mm panel LED holders from radio shack on my fascia. Now when I flip my DPDT switches for the tortoise switch machine the LED indicates the appropriate route with green and the other LED shows red. Also if you use tortoise switch machines the LEDs can be wired directly without the need for a resistor.