The following example calculation assumes a 3-cell LiPo battery used as drive battery in a
model. If you are using a 2 or 4 cell LiPo battery or a NiCd or NiMH battery, the rated voltage
of the battery must be used as operating voltage (UB). For stationary use, calculate the
dropping resistance with the mains adapter's rated voltage.
Practical advice:
Even if the rated voltage of a 3-cell LiPo battery is 11.1 V, you should work with an
operating voltage of 12 V for calculating the dropping resistor, since the terminal
voltage for a freshly charged 11.1 V battery clearly exceeds 12 V.
Example calculation:
Assuming that the light diode used has a supply voltage of 2.6 V and a power intake of 20 mA.
In the first step of the calculation, the voltage that needs to drop at the dropping resistance must
be calculated:
12 V – 2. 6 V = 9.4 V
If you want to switch two same diodes in sequence, 2 x 2.6 V = 5.2 V must be
subtracted from the operating voltage of 12 V.
Now use Ohm's law R = U : I to calculate the dropping resistance Rv:
Rv = 9.4 V : 0.02 A = 470 Ohm
Use the formula P = U x I to also calculate the output the dropping resistor must be able to
withstand:
9.4 V x 0.02 A = 0.188 W
A resistor of 470 Ohm with an output of ¼ W (0.25 W) would therefore be sufficient.
Important!
Please observe correct polarity of the connection lines when connecting the LEDs,
since LEDs only conduct power in one direction.
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