Substitute for expensive green LED indicator? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Circlotron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 23, 2016, 12:00:49 am
content: Been using some of these panel mount green LED indicators and decided that AUD$12 is way too much.http://au.rs-online.com/web/p/indicators/0210973/Does anyone know of an equivalent for say $2-$3? I know I could start looking myself, but someone here may already have the answer. If not, then I will certainly look myself.

author: amyk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 23, 2016, 12:18:26 am
content: https://www.aliexpress.com/popular/panel-mount-led-indicator.html

author: rrinker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 23, 2016, 12:49:46 am
content: Not going to beat the options from Ali, but on the related products on the RS page they have just the bezels that look almost identical to the fully packaged solution, just add green LED. Might cost $3 even sourcing it all from RS, some assembly required to stick the LED in the holder and screw the holder to the panel.

author: rdl
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 23, 2016, 01:44:11 am
content: I usually just solder wires to the LED, drill a hole, and stick the LED in place with a dab of glue. If I think I might ever want to change the LED, I crimp/solder a couple of bare Molex pin header receptacles on the wires, add some heatshrink to insulate, and use a black plastic retainer to hold the LED.

author: rrinker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 23, 2016, 02:19:57 am
content: I used the black plastic ones in a control panel for my model railroad, they worked fine, but the metal ones look classier. My senior lab project from college, I just drilled holes and glued the LED in with white glue - it held for many years, and yet if it needed to be removed, some pressure on it would pop it loose since it didn't really adhere to the LED like an epoxy or CA. It was just enough to keep things from flapping around in the breeze. Based on the use of those fancy packaged indicator light LEDs, I'm guessing the OP needs this to be a bit fancy looking and stuffing an LED in a hole drilled in the panel is probably out

author: Circlotron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 23, 2016, 08:57:06 am
content: ^^ That's right! Commercial product. Gotta look good.

author: HackedFridgeMagnet
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 23, 2016, 10:21:44 am
content: I find searching on Digikey is the easiest way.Maybe something here is ok.http://www.digikey.com/product-search/en/optoelectronics/panel-indicators-pilot-lights/524928?k=&pkeyword=&pv62=2064&pv62=77&FV=8340006%2Cb0c01a1%2Cfff40008%2Cfff80280&mnonly=0&newproducts=0&ColumnSort=1000011&page=1&stock=1&quantity=0&ptm=0&fid=0&pageSize=25

author: rdl
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 23, 2016, 10:38:35 am
content: I saw this on the right side of the page you linked to in post #1 (under "Essential accessories"):http://au.rs-online.com/web/p/indicator-lampholders/2370496/?origin=PSF_413259|accDoesn't look quite as nicely machined/molded and has leads instead of quick connects, but it's only $2. If you download its datasheet, other varieties are described.Just for the record, I generally use either silicone adhesive or hot glue to hold LEDs in place. Both work pretty good and are rubbery enough to remove without too much trouble. Black colored hot glue is extra good if you need to block the light from getting out the back or sides of the LED.