HDD + cathode

**vikeor** · December 12th, 2004, 05:50 PM

i modded my comp and it looks cool and all, but i want to do one more thing. I wants to have either a cathode or LEDs blink when my HD is working, how wouldi do this?

**paul9** · December 12th, 2004, 06:17 PM

the best way is just to use the normal hdd led output, maybe a bar display led, or ones with built-in flashers. i think flashing a cold cathode may cause a lot of interference. even using leds, you may need an amplifier circuit. search the forums for knight rider modification, for a few ideas, and a handy link

**vikeor** · December 12th, 2004, 06:20 PM

thats what i was planning on doing but i dont know if the power given by the hd led output is enuff to power more than 1 LED.... i was thinking of like 3 or 4... so that circuit u speak of, can i buy those or do i have to make one?

**no1_vern** · December 12th, 2004, 06:33 PM

Do you have P-ata or S-ata ?

Basically You just need to find the pin-out on the MoBo for the drive activity light and plug it in. Setting up LED's should be easy and look nice, but I think that a tube would fail fairly quickly-thats ok though- as long as you dont mind buying the tubes .

**vikeor** · December 12th, 2004, 06:37 PM

i have an normal ATA HD.. i was thinking of putting an LED in the 4 corners of the window on the top of my case, im just worried about not getting enough power to all 4...

**paul9** · December 12th, 2004, 06:38 PM

you could buy a little amplifier circuit from somewhere such as www.maplin.co.uk , or the parts to build one from there. find the knight rider link and see how that person did his connection.

**paul9** · December 12th, 2004, 06:42 PM

four low power leds may just be okay, but keep the wiring as short and neat as possible. use a high quality, low resistance cable, maybe some light gauge oxygen free copper cable (usually used for high quality hifi speaker hookups) would be a good choice.

**pphalan** · December 12th, 2004, 09:15 PM

You can find a flashing led at a electronics supply house or mail order one in many colors.You can tie a 12volt model direct to power supply or a 6volt will work with the 5volt line.

**butch81385** · December 12th, 2004, 09:30 PM

just for reference, i have a TT volcano cool mod HSF. it has 4 LEDs on it. two get hooked up instead of the power on LED and 2 get hooked up instead of the HD activity LED. In the manual it specifially states that users should not use both the HSF LEDs and the case LEDs as it will most likely try to draw too much power and could damage the motherboard or the LEDs. how much of that is true and how much is just them covering their behinds, im not sure, but you may want to look into it thoroughly before attempting

**paul9** · December 12th, 2004, 09:46 PM

so two of the leds on your hsf flash on hdd activity, and two are permanently on when powered up, butch? yes, if you start trying to draw too much current through the mobos led connections, by using too many leds, then you will probably burn out any dropper resistor on the led feed, at the very best, and probably cause some nasty damage to other mobo components. i wouldnt go for more than two low power leds on each of those connections, or possibly one hyperbright, if the current draw was still quite low. i'd feel a lot safer using the led signal to feed a little amplifier which was designed to drive multiple leds.

**butch81385** · December 12th, 2004, 09:52 PM

correct, the blue LEDs are always on, and the red LEDs light up with hard drive activity

**butch81385** · December 12th, 2004, 09:52 PM

sorry about the large and shaky pics, but i am late for church.. i will post better later

**vikeor** · December 13th, 2004, 08:18 AM

Originally Posted by paul9

you could buy a little amplifier circuit from somewhere such as www.maplin.co.uk , or the parts to build one from there. find the knight rider link and see how that person did his connection.

whats this knight rider link?? :P my bro is comin from england so maybe he can get me an amp circuit, ill give it a shot without one first.