How do I Change a 5mm Color LED?
Electronic devices often use LEDs as a way to display a status to the user. The color that is displayed is determined by the color of the LED being used. One way to customize your device is to replace the LEDs with those of a different color. Replacing an LED requires basic electronic and soldering skills. If you are not familiar with soldering, you should not try to replace LEDs in a working device, as you could damage the device.
Instructions
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Remove the LED
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1
Plug in your soldering iron and wait until it has warmed up. After a few minutes, touch it with a piece of solder to determine if it is ready. If the solder melts, the iron is hot enough to use.
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2
Wipe the tip of the iron with a damp sponge to clean the tip.
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3
Place a coating of solder on the tip of the iron. This is known as "tinning" and allows the heat to flow more efficiently.
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4
Place the soldering iron at one of the LED's soldered joints to heat the solder, then press the copper braid against the solder to soak it up. After freeing the LED's leg from the first joint, repeat the process on the second joint.
Connect a New LED
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5
Arrange the LED so it is in position to be soldered in place. The long leg of the LED must be connected to the positive contact and the short leg connected to the negative contact.
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6
Place the soldering iron at the solder joint, then press the solder against the joint. The solder will melt and flow onto the joint.
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7
Remove the soldering iron and let the solder cool for about 10 seconds. After cooling, confirm the LED's leg is firmly soldered to the connection.
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8
Solder the LED's second leg in place using the same method that was used for the first leg.
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1
Tips & Warnings
LEDs only work in one direction; if you install it backwards, it will not emit light.
References
- Photo Credit red led image by Kir from Fotolia.com
