Author Topic: Converting LED 1/2 Wave to Full...how?  (Read 4617 times)

Offline bob ginn

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Converting LED 1/2 Wave to Full...how?
« on: January 24, 2014, 11:51:55 AM »
Being new to the blinky world, I have been reading tons of stuff on bunches of web sites.  I read a thread somewhere where they were discussing LED lights purchased from Big Lots as being 1/2 wave, and they were going to put a resistor somewhere to make them full wave.

I  bought 40-50 sets from BL last week.  Is this conversion worth the effort, and how do I do it?  I plan on using the lights on wireframes/etc

Offline kenoman742

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Offline jnealand

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Re: Converting LED 1/2 Wave to Full...how?
« Reply #2 on: January 25, 2014, 01:31:23 PM »
Full wave vs half wave is in the eye of the beholder.  For some folks it really stands out and bothers them, for other they can't even see except under certain conditions.  I cannot see it and have done nothing with BL lights and not one person has ever said anything to me about them.  I would not bother doing any conversion unless and until it becomes a problem.   Why make work when none is needed or until it is needed.  If you want to see half wave try light up a string, then hold a section between two hands and swing it in a loop like a small jump rope.
Jim Nealand
Kennesaw, GA

Offline mms

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Re: Converting LED 1/2 Wave to Full...how?
« Reply #3 on: January 25, 2014, 03:19:22 PM »
I personally think the "resolution" and brightness is worth it.  I did my icicles.  It's pretty easy, you just have to switch the polarity half way down the string... and if you're connecting multiple strings you need to keep tack of the AC / DC ends.

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