Easy PWM Detector

[jayflash]

Can't find a previous topic regarding an easy way to know if your light uses PWM, but besides using a meter, you can use a fan. The lower, dimmed levels should produce a stop-motion or, apparent, slow rotation of the blades from the LED rapidly switching on & off. You can experiment with different speeds.

 

[Oddjob]

I just look at emitter end and move the light back and forth quickly. If the line of light is contiuous then its good, the more broken the line of light looks then the worse the PWM.

 

[jayflash]

Ahh! Simplicity at its best. That's perfect, Oddjob, nothing else needed. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Black Rose]

Another way to do it is to put your hand behind the light.
With the light shining on your fingers, wave your hand side-to-side.

With PWM, you get the "freaky finger" effect.