[sdiy] Blue LEDs: A simple swap, or otherwise?

[Tony Clark]

   Hi Julian,

> A friend has asked me if i could replace the red leds on his tr-606 for
> blue.
> 
> Is the higher current drain of the blues a point to consider, or is it just
> a simple swap?

   With modern blue LED's it's pretty much a simple swap.

> If its a simple swap, is there any case where it wouldnt be?

   Not really.  Although I did find that one type I had would blow up 
REALLY easy if reverse-biased.  But your mileage may vary on that score.

> Plus, am i missing the point with this blue led 'craze'?  Why so much
> interest in a different colour?

   Blue is a very soothing color.  The one major complaint that I tend to 
have with people swapping them in is that they don't seem to realize 
exactly how bright blue LED's can be and how hard they are on the eyes.  
A blue LED with 400 mcd is much harder on the eyes than a red, green, or 
yellow LED of the same mcd rating.
   So the best thing to do when swapping blue LED's in is to make sure 
that the viewing angle is as large as you can get it (40 degrees is 
good).  The larger it is, the softer the light coming out.  Get diffused 
housings, not clear ones.  And if you know what the rating is of the 
LED that you are swapping, get a blue one with LESS intensity!  All of 
these things will help you get a nice blue that will be enjoyable to 
look at.
   Personally, I like _all_ colors and don't think that gear should stick 
to one color or another.  Mixing colors definately helps you visually key 
into certain areas and will relay information to you a bit faster.

   Cheers,

   Tony

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