-
Contact: info [at] trainaidsa [dot] com
- Home
- Shop
- Conductives
- Elektrizmos
- Fasteners
- LED Items
- All Items
- C5 (Cartridge)
- CR5 (Reverse Polarity)
- E5 (Screw Mount LED)
- E10 ( Lionel )
- L2S ( Lionel )
- L1T ( Lionel )
- L3 ( Lionel )
- W3 (3mm Wired+Resistor)
- W5 (5mm Wired+Resistor)
- SMD-3528
- S5 (5v ver. of S12 Strip)
- S12 (LED Lighting Strip)
- S12K (Lighting Strip Kit)
- S50 (Long LED Strip)
- FX (Flexible Strip)
- ACW (Mini Rectfier Feed)
- Strip Connectors
- Märklin Items
- Fulgurex Motor
- NEM Coupler Adapters
- T-Gauge
- Tech & Support
- Conductives
- Elektrizmos
- Fasteners
- LED Items
- Motors
- NEM Coupler Adapters
- T-Gauge Support
- Gallery
- Conductives
- Fasteners
- Our LED Strips
- 3mm & 5mm LEDs
- SMD LEDs
- T-Gauge
- Other Sections
- Devices & Circuits
- Whiteboard
- Oddments
- Shipping+Availability
- Retailer Inquiries
- About Us
-
LED Items
| LEDs | SMDs | Strips | Accessories |
We have designed these LED based products, in unique shapes and sizes, to fit a variety of conditions. Though they are designed for model railroad use, they can be creatively adapted for use in many areas.
Our E5, W5 LEDs, S5, S12, S50 and now Fx Strips, can also work with DCC and AC . . . Some examples as installed by our customers is presented in the Gallery Section.
Questions and answers are given product by product in sections listed in the left column.
We invite your solutions to challenges that users come across. For
example, some customers have used orange acrylic paint, permanent
markers or other material to change the color of the light emitted by
white LEDs to adjust it. Some reduce the voltage to reduce brightness.
Experimentation is the key to a completely satisfactory solution.
Our Gallery Section has examples
of how some of our LED products have been used.
Wired LEDs: Wires
presoldered with our LEDs, follow this standard rule as LEDs are
polarity sensitive. Black wire is
Negative (-)
and the Colored
wire is Positive
(+).
Basic technical information on some of our custom LED items:
| Type | Normal Forward Current | Max. Forward Current | Max. Reverse Voltage | Viewing Angle |
| C5 / CR5 |
40mA |
60mA |
10v |
60 Deg. |
| E5 |
40mA |
60mA |
10v |
60 Deg. |
| S12 (Strip) |
40mA |
60mA |
10v |
120 Deg. |
| S50 (Strip) |
170mA |
200mA |
20v |
120 Deg. |
| SMD |
See Under SMD |
See Under SMD |
See Under SMD |
120 Deg. |
| W5 |
40mA |
60mA |
10v |
60 Deg. |
| W3 |
40mA |
60mA |
10v |
35 Deg. |
For support information on using our LEDs in Lionel equipment, please click > > > |
 |
Current Limiting Resistor Calculators:These links takes you to calculators outside the domain of TrainAidsA and we are not responsible for the accuracy or the results obtained by using these calculator. These links have been provided as only as a convenience. |
 |
 |
Important Notes for all LEDs:
Our E5, W5 & W3 LEDs are 5mm & 3mm LEDs, which have been modified by adding a resistance for use with higher voltages. Below are the Normal Voltage for LEDs when unmodified.E5, W3, W5 & C5:
Red / Yellow /Amber : 1.8v - 2.1v
Blue / Green / White / Warm-White : 3.0v - 3.8v
White LEDs are 5000K and Warm White LEDs are 3000K
Most of our LEDs are assembled, ready to use, with 12v-19v DC. The "Cartridge Type (Type C)" & SMDs have no built-in resistors. C5 types are supplied with their own resistors so they can be used with a 12v-19v DC feed. The resistors in most cases are 620 ohm,1/6 watt. If you wish to use these with a higher voltage, compensate by reducing the current. For example, if you would like to use the E5 (same for W5 or W3) with 16-19v DC, then keep the current low, preferably to 20mA. Power convertor/regulator (VR1 See Elektrizmos) is also a good solution for many situations.
Each type of LED is available in a different range of colors as indicated. New items are added regularly. For special designs or requirements, please send us an email with details.
We seriously advise you not to look at an LED directly from the front when it is powered (lit) up.
Please study your specific needs before installation. We strongly
suggest testing in a simulated scenario prior to installation.
Note for AC & DCC users: To
use our strips with AC power as in Märklin, or in situations where
you
would like them to light up in forward and backward movement
(positive/negative polarity change), we suggest you feed the power via
a rectifier to neutralize the flickering or polarity change. For
strips, you can use ACW, a
wire connector that has a
built-in rectifier. For other LEDs, you can add a rectifier that can be
ordered via our Elektrizmos section.
Voltages can be upto 27v at high
throttle in DC.
For those intending to place LED strips in such situations - with high
voltages, we recommend use of resistors 5R180 which is available in our Elektrizmos
section. One for each pair of strips. Yes at lower voltages, the lights
will dim a bit. Please test the suitability.
Notes & Tips Specific to each type:
If you wish to use E5, W5, W3 with a higher voltage, compensate by reducing the current. For example, if you would like to use them with 16-19v DC, then keep the current low, preferably to 20mA. Power convertor/regulator (VR1, see under Elektrizmos) is also a good solution for many such situations, specially in a layout scenery/diorama.
W3 & W5 ( 3mm & 5mm ) Wired LEDs
Wired - ready to use in buildings, vehicles, flood or wall washer lights, as signal lamps, in turnouts, inside vehicles, trackside, tunnels & other creative locations. Each with built in resistor. They come with 20 cm wire leads ready to connect to 12v-19v DC. Cut off shrink film protection as needed. LEDs have covered sides that block light leakage from side and also offers protection when inserting through tubes etc. Improves use as signal lamps. We suggest you experiment and try using these in more ways than suggestions here.Structure of W3 & W5 LEDs
To make the LEDs fit in a hole, you can cut the shrink film that is protecting the assembly upto the base of the LED to get more room.The first three pictures explain this in detail. However, it is advisable to do this only if necessary, as the shrink film offers insulation, a little vibration protection and a better grip to the surrounding hole. It helps in glueing as well.
The last picture shows the structure inside the assembly.
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
E5 |
|
Center Bottom Terminal is Positive & Casing Negative. In a standard E5.5 screw-in base with resistor built-in to allow direct use with 12v-19v. Same LED as in W5. Not necessary to use only where it has a threaded socket. As long as one can hold it in place, it will do fine. Some older bulb sockets are just spaces with spring loaded contact bars at the bottom.
These LEDs fit Lionel 6-24103 Light Towers. |
E5 = Normal Polarity
ONLY: Center Bottom Terminal is Positive & Casing Negative. Click
image. In a standard E5.5 screw-in base with resistor built-in to allow direct use with 12v-19v. Same LED as in W5. Not necessary to use only where it has a threaded socket. As long as one can hold it in place, it will do fine. Some older bulb sockets are just spaces with spring loaded contact bars at the bottom. |
|
|
These LEDs fit Lionel
6-24103 Light Towers. Wiring/Connecting: To replace incadescent bulbs with LEDs, as in older cars/coaches, please check out the Installation notes for C5 (&E5) LEDs below. In E5 LEDs the resistor is already built in and you would omit the addition of the resistor. |
Caution: When screwing in LEDs into the socket, please do it while holding the metal base rather than the glass element of the LED unit. This LED unit is an assembly with a mini resistor inside and twisting the Glass portion (the LED), can dislodge the assembly and may damage it. Please use caution in installation.
C5, CR5 (& C5K)
C5: Normal Polarity
CR5 = Reverse Polarity: Center Bottom Terminal is Negative & Casing Positive.
LEDs are the same as in W5 or E5 but resistors need to be added in the power supply/feed. Use as replacement in Locomotives, Turnouts, Vehicles, Trackside Accessories & other locations. Without built in resistor. Resistors supplied with LEDs for voltages above 3v. Offers flexibility in installation with suitable polarity as needed. Remember to check the polarity before installation. Preferably buy the Kit that contains LEDs of both polarities.
Caution: When pushing/snapping LEDs in place, please do it
while holding
the metal base rather than the glass element of the LED unit. This LED
unit is an assembly and pushing the
Glass portion (the LED), can
dislodge the assembly and may damage it. Please use caution in
installation.
Installing C5 (& E5) LEDs in Märklin or DCC Passenger cars/coaches.
If you would like, we can send you this image to you for reference.
Just send us an email.
Since Märklin is an AC system, power for LEDs will require constant DC feed with the correct polarity using ACW (See Below), our wire feeds which have rectifiers built in. Rectifiers convert AC or incorrect polarity DC to the correct polarity. This is necessary as LEDs are polarity sensitive, which means, the positive and negative power feed has to be maintained constantly for the LEDs to function.
Please click on the image for a larger diagrammatic view showing these connectivity changes needed. The suggestion is based on C5 with normal polarity, but applies to all LEDs such as E5 for example. In case of E5, no additional resistor is needed as the resistors are built into the E5 LEDs.
L1T, L2S, L3 & E10 LEDs
Great for Lionel Switches etc.All three in all colors are dual polarity LEDs designed for AC/DC.
These LEDs have rectifiers built in and can be used in situations where the bottom is positive or negative and also in systems that use AC power source.
Use as replacement in Locomotives, Switches, Controllers,
Turnouts, Vehicles, Trackside Accessories & other locations.
Voltage: Designed 18v
AC/DC | Work with +/- 3v AC/DC.
Power Rating: For all is 0.3 W
Ave.
Max.reverse current: For all
is 100mA.
SMD (Surface Mount Device) LEDs
(This information is for the LEDs we sell separately and not as assemblies, unless mentioned in the description of that item, both with or without wires presoldered. Other models coming shortly.
Type 3528 (Click image)
Normal voltage: White(3.0-3.4V) | Warm White(3.0-3.4V) | Yellow(1.9-2.1V).
Normal current: White(20mA) | Warm White(20mA) | Yellow(20mA).
Wattage: White(0.12W) | Warm White(0.12W) | Yellow(0.08W).
Max.reverse voltage: White(5V) | Warm White(5V) | Yellow(5V).
Power Rating: 0.07W
The colored wire is positive and the Black is negative. This is to be noted as LEDs are polarity sensitive.
The rear of the LEDs is exposed, so insulation may be needed between the SMDs and the surface they would be resting against, in most cases. Place insulation behind the LEDs if installed on metallic surfaces. We recommend using insulation tape or a layer of some other insulating material in all installations, anyway.
Notes: SMD LEDs &
SMD LED based products.
Many customers paint the top of SMD LEDs to achieve the color they
want. Colored markers are one source which provide semi opaque coloring
option. See Gallery.
S5, S12, S12K
Positive and Negative feeds can be provided from any marked positive/negative point in the strip. (See picture/image above) For example, positive can be connected from one end and the negative at the other or in between. Be creative for your specific need.
See diagram on left.
Recommended Resistances to be added in addition to the Rectfier, for 19vAC use:
For a single S12 Strip: 150 ohm,1/2W
For 2 Strips (S12) together e.g. in a passenger car: 75 ohm,1/2W
Lighting Strips can be cut in the middle (or at the cut mark at
every 5cm/2in. in case of S50, the long ones.) to suit dimensions
needed. Use
a fine hobby saw to cut these rigid strips. Each cut part works as an
independent strip. Cut parts can also be connected in series and will
work from one single power feed as if they are rejoined. All units come
with male and female connectors at ends. If cut, solder/connection
points are still easily accessible for soldering new leads.
You may purchase the Kit which allows using either two strips to illuminate the same area. One for each polarity using Diodes. Alternately, use them with AC using the Rectifiers (MR1) or ACW or for other locations, using Power convertor/regulators (VR1 or VR2), which can be for the strips, or for other LEDs in other situations too. See Elektrizmos.
When installing Strips S5, S12/S12K (Kit), S50 (Long) or Fx (Flexible), please protect the rear of the strips from any metallic paint or surface. Use insulating tape, adhesive foam or some other form of insulation as suitable.
Connection/Installation Tips for Strip Connectors:
For a secure connection, we suggest that you remove the plastic housing for the connector. Push the exposed pin sleeves on to the strip connector and crimp them tightly to the pins. Then if possible, solder the connection as this will secure it against loosening due to constant train movement. It has been noticed by some users that over time after vibrations & shaking of moving trains, in this and some other cases of similar pin connectors, they become loose. This may or may not happen in your case, but please be aware of this possibility.
 
|
 
|
 
|
Click any image for their enlarged view.
General Tips on power for Strips in Märklin AC:
Normally, the positive feed would be from a slider pickup or from the loco via current conducting couplers in cars. In each case, the negative is picked up from the wheels, unless you are using two conductor (non-Märklin) couplers. In case of our strips or older Märklin strips that do not have rectifiers, you will need one. The simplest way to understand is that for each ground contact/pickup, you will need a rectifier. This is how the basic connectivity is with the rectifier in place, in a single and multiple cars:To check if you need a rectifier for an LED based strip, connect the feeds to the track and the center studs. Then reverse the contacts by connecting the positive to the rails and the negative to the center studs. If the strip lights up only when the positive is connected to the center studs and not vice-versa, then the strip does not have rectification and a rectifier is needed. The rectifier will convert the power feed to the correct polarity for the strip to light up.
The following diagrams show power feed variations (to simplify, no rectifiers shown in the first two diagrams). Click each for an enlarged view.
 
|
 
|
 
|
|
S50
Lighting Strip is similar to S12. Use S12 as a guide for connectivity and performance.
Cut pieces of S50 used to recreate fluorescent Lighting for a platform.
Power: DC12V, current 0.6A, power 7.2W
Power: DC12V, current 0.6A, power 7.2W
Picture shows pieces of S50 spaced out and connected to reproduce fluorescent lighting in a station platform (roofing removed).
This item makes it more economical if strips needed in larger quantities as they can be cut closer to the size required. Power convertor/regulators (VR1/ VR2) available for the strips. See Elektrizmos. When installing Strips S5, S12/S12K, S50 or Fx, please protect the rear of the strips from any metallic paint or surface. Use insulating tape, adhesive foam or some other form of insulation as suitable.
FX
Same freedom to use as the S50. See S12 image for connectivity. Comes with an adhesive backing to allow press-n-stick. Cuts easily with a pair of scissors. When installing Strips S5, S12/S12K, S50 or Fx, please protect the rear of the strips from any metallic paint or surface. Use insulating tape, adhesive foam or some other form of insulation as suitable. Can connect positive and negative at different marked locations. Power convertor/regulators are available for the strips and they can also be used with other 12v LEDs too. See ElektrizmosACW & ACCW
However, some people are using the ACW elsewhere, where they need a rectifier, by just cutting off the connector. This saves a lot of time and heating up of the soldering iron just for a rectifier.
Output side red wire is positive, black is negative.
Note: If you intend to cut off the connector, remember to mark the output side for reference as both, the input and output look the same once the connector is cut off.
For polarity control and anti-flickering reduction, use our ACCW which has an additional capacitor and provides both features.
In model railroad environment, please note:
If the installation is in a locomotive, study the circuitry and see if the power being fed to the terminals where the LEDs will be connected, is adequate or perhaps is too much, or of different polarity.In situations where modifications have already been carried out to a locomotive, the circuitry may have changed from the factory installed version. Please connect the LEDs after proper analysis as we cannot be responsible for damage to any equipment. These LEDs are being sold as generic items for use in many different ways and may not fit in your specific requirement, as sold.
The user may need to incorporate independent solutions based on individual layout & need, to reduce any flickering, brightness, voltage or current control etc. Any of this may occur due to the unique characteristics of each model/layout, due to the nature of the power supplied or due to motion that interrupts power feed, either momentarily or intermittently.
Special orders:
If you would like LEDs without resistors or other colors or with some other design/circuit features incorporated, please contact us by email. We can accept orders in smaller than normal quantities. There is a minimum order of 500 pieces for most orders in any one type of design and the delivery is about 2-3 weeks from the final order acceptance, but also depends on the complexity of the product and availability of components.|
|
|