[HuntTheshunt]

Hi, I've read the article in resources about how to fit new LED headlights to SCX cars - can anyone tell me the name/part numbers of the parts I need? I understand I need LEDs, a resistor and diode.

Thanks IA

 

[RichD]

The problem with SCX lights seems to be that SCX tracks run at a slightly lower voltage than those of other makers. When you run SCX cars on those tracks the lights burn out. When you you run regular incandescent lamps at a voltage that is greater than they are made for their life may be shortened, but they do not burn out almost immediately like LEDs do. 3mm white LEDs would be the thing to use. They draw 20 milliamps at 3.5 volts. You will needs to know the track voltage, to be safe you should measure the actual voltage. If you run on several tracks use the highest voltage when you figure the right dropping resistor to use. Here is a caculator for the dropping resistor: http://led.linear1.org/led.wiz
for a 12 volt track wire two LEDs and a 270 ohm resistor in series. For a 14 volt track use a 390 ohm resistor. You only need to use a diode if you are going to use supercapacitor to keep the lights lit when the power is off.

 

[JJJ]

If you are asking about light replacement, is it safe to assume you have burnt out the originals? If not, and this is a preventative measure, use them. The article:

http://www.slotforum.com/forums/index.php?...page=SCX-Lights

does mention the parts needed, including resistor values, stating the diode is to prevent blowing the leds when the car is placed backwards on the track. The only thing not mentioned in the article is a fix for the taillights. I would assume the same repair would work there.

 

[RichD]

A LED is a diode and like other diodes it does not conduct if you hook it up backwards. To be sure of that I just tested a red LED that runs at 2 volts. Hooked up backwards it did not light or burn up, even when I turned up the voltage to 3. Hooked up correctly the LED would burn out immediatly at 3 volts.