Has anyone purchased any surface mount LEDs from an electronics supplier in the US.
What did you buy and where did you buy them. I think 603 LEDs are most suitable for model rr use. There are so many different ones, I would like an idea what works best.
Tom
I use these. They come in different configurations.
http://www.ulrichmodels.biz/servlet/the-350/Miniature-Surface-Mount-LEDs/Detail
www.ngineering.com has an excellent selection. They are ,8mm x 1 mm (2.8"x3.4" in ho)
They are also very hard to mount. I like to glue them in place, then draw conductive paint to the leads (Commonly available at auto parts stores to fix rear window defroster lines) I then paint over that.
Using a soldering pencil is a quick way to melt a diode given it’s size.
Richmond Controls has surface mount LED’s with small 6 inch wires attached.
A bunch easier that trying to solder your own wires to the LED’s.
Several DCC shops have inventory of these- One that I know about is Litchfield Station.
In addition to the sources already mentioned, surface mount LEds are available in many configurations from More LEDs and SuperBright LEDs.
Soldering SMDs (surface mounted diodes) requires a solder smaller than .032, a digital soldering iron set to 450-500 degrees and plenty of experience. a hobby pencil iron will not get hot enough or have the control to use on SMDs. glueing is the best alternative and there are some adhesives that will accept a circuit.
I buy mine from one of the Asian sellers on ebay. FIFTY of them in warm white, plus free shipping for only $9.99 !!!
I’ve bought from them numerous times and had them within a week. Excellent color rendition and not a bad one in the lot.
Mark.