they're not supposed to blink

delong1701 · Post by **delong1701** » Thu Nov 10, 2011 12:03 pm

I'm not sure if this is the correct place to post this. If not, please move it to the correct place; thanks!

I need a little help. I modified my computer's case about a year ago. I know what you're thinking--why is he talking about his computer here? Please bear with me. For those of you who don't know, the power supply on a standard computer has two voltages (5V and 12V). I constructed a device that connects to an unused connection. I have a total of 5 LEDs that I added. The three middle LEDs, which are Red, are connected to the 12V line and they seem to be fine. The two outside LEDs, which are blue, are connected to the 5V line. For the past two days, they have been blinking, which they are not supposed to do. It could be a loose connection; I'll check tomorrow, my day off. I'm wondering if it might be something else because the first two 5V LEDs I bought didn't work at all. Could it be that Radio Shack needs better quality control? Or is indicative of a power supply that's about to give out? Any advise would be helpful. Thanks!

ChrisQ · Post by **ChrisQ** » Fri Nov 11, 2011 1:13 am

Put a voltmeter on the 5v rail and see if it's fluctuating. Seems to be the most straight forward way.

delong1701 · Post by **delong1701** » Mon Nov 21, 2011 11:42 pm

Yup, loose wire. Whew!

If you're wondering what the computer's case looks like, here's some pictures.

Flash on (so you can see the case)
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac31 ... 0_1518.jpg

Flash off (so you can see the lights)
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac31 ... 0_1517.jpg