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Wiring 1.8V and 2.1V SMLEDs in Series as 1S LiPo Voltage Indicator—Is Resistor Needed?

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Best answers LABEL_AI_GENERATED

Can I run two 1.8 V and 2.1 V SMD LEDs in series directly from a 1S LiPo without a resistor, or do I still need current limiting?

No—two LEDs in series are not a reliable current limiter, and you should still use a series resistor to prevent overcurrent and possible LED damage [#21684178][#21684181] LED characteristics vary a lot, so if you want consistent brightness each LED should have its own resistor rather than depending on the LEDs themselves for limiting [#21684178] A practical way to choose the value is to use a small series resistor plus a potentiometer to find the right brightness/current, then replace it with the nearest fixed E12 resistor value [#21684178][#21684181] If you want the LEDs to drain the LiPo less, increase the series resistance and accept slightly lower brightness [#21684185] PWM was mentioned as another way to reduce average current, but it was noted that it can create odd effects on fast-spinning helicopter blades [#21684187]
AI summary based on the discussion. May contain errors.
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  • Series LED pair as a 1S LiPo voltage indicator

    #1 21684177
    Steven Smith
    Anonymous  
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  • Per-LED resistors for consistent brightness

    #2 21684178
    Richard Gabric
    Anonymous  
  • Will two series LEDs need a current-limiting resistor

    #3 21684179
    Steven Smith
    Anonymous  
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  • Need series resistor to prevent LED damage

    #5 21684181
    Richard Gabric
    Anonymous  
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  • #6 21684182
    Steven Smith
    Anonymous  
  • #7 21684183
    Richard Gabric
    Anonymous  
  • #8 21684184
    Steven Smith
    Anonymous  
  • #9 21684185
    Giovanni Di Maria
    Anonymous  
  • #10 21684186
    Steven Smith
    Anonymous  
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  • #11 21684187
    Richard Gabric
    Anonymous  

Topic summary

LABEL_AI_GENERATED
A model helicopter uses six multi-colored low voltage surface mount LEDs powered by a single LiPo cell (3.8V storage, 4.2V full charge) as a night flying voltage indicator. The LEDs, with forward voltages around 1.8V and 2.1V, were initially wired in parallel each with a 100-ohm resistor, drawing about 20-30mAh over 25 minutes from a 300mAh battery. The user considered wiring two LEDs in series without a resistor to indicate voltage thresholds (bright at 4.15V, dim at 3.85V) but questioned if this would cause excessive current draw and battery drain. Responses emphasized that LEDs are current-driven devices requiring current-limiting resistors for consistent brightness and to prevent damage. Using a small series resistor and a potentiometer during testing helps determine the optimal fixed resistor value. Without a resistor, LEDs risk destruction and uncontrolled current flow. PWM dimming was suggested to reduce current and extend battery life but is unsuitable for rotating blades due to flicker effects. The importance of minimizing added mass on rotor blades to avoid dynamic imbalance was also noted.
AI summary based on the discussion. May contain errors.
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