LED brightness

[jhalton]

Novice question; how can I reduce LED brightness? Do I increase or decrease the resistor? Most of my new PedalPCB builds I am finding the LED way too bright (I think they have 4K7 on the board).
Thanks!

 

[derevaun]

Increase it. Because: voltage = current times resistance. Less current means less brightness.

Ohm's law (V=IR) is going to be really handy along the journey, worth learning and applying as the times come. But if now isn't such a time, increase the resistance to reduce the brightness, and rock on.

 

[Alan W]

I test specific LEDs to find the brightness I like and note it on the baggie. I’m usually in the 6.8k to 10k range.

 

[falco_femoralis]

LEDs come in a range of brightness. If your LED is too bright then increase the 4k7 resistor to something like 6k8. It's helpful to set up a small breadboard with an LED so you can try different resistors and get an idea for what you want to install to the PCB

 

[KR Sound]

I tend to generally use a 10k on my builds.

 

[Feral Feline]

If you've already soldered something in, such as on old builds that you don't want to pull apart and desolder a component (CLR or LED) and risk lifting a trace...

... you can get nail polish or other type of paint and put a dab on top of the LED to dim it/redirect the light.


From this

to this

 

[CheapSuitG]

Or you could wear sunglasses on stage. All the cool kids are doing it!

 

[jhalton]

Thanks everyone for the replies! I may try the nail polish idea on some of my builds. Will try the higher resistors. Good idea on testing the leds to check brightness as well.
Now to fix all these damn bright lights!