regulated 12 volts

[sike]

hello,

I am just wondering how do you make a regulated 12 volts. I belive someone mentioned it before with a diagram but I don't understand it. I would like to run my LED with a constant 12 volts engine on or off. I am not an electronic person but I would like to start knowing the ins and outs of it. I bought LM317T and LM317LZ from allelectronics but don't know how to use it. They are both voltage regulators. I how this is the ones to use.

it is greatly appreciated
TIA!
-Sike
>=]

[highlandsun]

I would have used the LM1117 instead. See my design here: http://faq.auto.light.tripod.com/signal-leds.htm (There is also an LM317 design on that page.)

But more importantly, remember that it's current that matters when driving LEDs, not voltage. Just having a constant 12V source isn't going to protect you from overdriving your LEDs, you need constant current. You can find my constant-current design by following the above links as well, and it's also discussed in this forum.

[freeze12]

I just used an LED with a voltage rating of:3.6V @ 20MA and in series soldered in a Resistor with a value of:1/4 watt-5% tolerance...RadioShack part #271-086 and have had no problem's in 6 month's.

...Dan...