DPDT switch + two-lead bi-color led wiring

[EisengesisFX]

Hey folks, I'm wiring up a build where I've managed to replace the SPST toggle with a DPDT footswitch (big shouts as ever to @DGWVI). It's just a hi/lo gain control switch, basically. Does anyone have a sec to illustrate how to wire this Tayda A-1076 bi-color LED to the left leg(s) of the DPDT? Thank you in advance

 

[jwin615]

You have to reverse both legs for those to work. Not easy with one pole.
You need a common anode 3 leg bicolor led.
You could use a 3 pole switch, put power(after clr) on one pole and ground on the other and invert the orientation of the LED that way

 

[EisengesisFX]

@jwin615 Thanks for the breakdown. Do you have any diagrams you could point to/post so I can attempt to better understand?

 

[jwin615]

I *think* this should work

 

[jwin615]

I would try this on the bread card or with bare wire and a CLR first.
The only data I could find on that diode was a 2.2-2.5V requirement, IIRC. No datasheet.
It may just burn up at 9V with a CLR. Not al LEDs don't fare well wired inverted. These may have some secondary diodes or something of the like inside that protect them from reverse current. Not really sure.
Common anode is the way to go here in the future though. Common cathode will work, but I don't like putting 9V on a switch that carries signal, especially IO. Using common anode, you just switch each cathode to ground with one pole. Plenty of diagrams out there on that. One in the PPCB wiki I believe.

 

[Robert]

These are cool as clipping diodes since you only need one.

 

[jwin615]

These are cool as clipping diodes since you only need one.

Was thinking the same thing, unless Vf is really ~2.5v, which it may be if they're actually 4 diodes.

 

[Robert]

If your circuit has a solid 4.5V supply you could do it with a single pole.

A simple VREF voltage divider won't work, it'd need to be capable of sinking and supplying enough current to light the LED.

 

[jwin615]

If your circuit has a solid 4.5V supply you could do it with a single pole.

A simple VREF voltage divider won't work, it'd need to be capable of sinking and supplying enough current to light the LED.

Would that make one color much brighter than the other?
Double voltage/ half current...
Edit: nope nevermind
I'm tired
Same potential...

 

[EisengesisFX]

Turns out I have a 3mm, 3-leg bi-color one after all!


I also definitely have a spare 3PDT I can use. Do I wire the LED like the one pictured in this diagram? How do I wire the SPST holes to the 3PDT?

 

[jwin615]

Turns out I have a 3mm, 3-leg bi-color one after all!


I also definitely have a spare 3PDT I can use. Do I wire the LED like the one pictured in this diagram? How do I wire the SPST holes to the 3PDT?

Is your LED common anode or common cathode?

 

[EisengesisFX]

No idea, it's from a Jameco grab bag.

 

[Robert]

Grab your DMM, set it to Continuity or Diode test mode.

Put the Black probe on the center LED lead, then put the Red probe on either of the outer leads.
Does it light? (It might not be very bright) If so, it's common cathode.

If not, reverse the leads. Red in the center.
Now does it light? If so, it's common anode.

 

[EisengesisFX]

Common cathode confirmed!