Electronic – Can you determine RGB pinouts with a multi meter

multimeterpcrgb

I have a Swiftech Apogee XL2 that has an addressable LED inside it. I want to connect it to my other RGB setups but I need to know the pin signals and voltage of the LED. I have a multi-meter at the moment but I can buy anything else that's needed. What do I need to do? Can anybody help? I only have very basic electrical knowledge but I'm ready to learn. I've included photos of the block and the connector in the link below. Thanks!

https://photos.app.goo.gl/wtKxNEYCA6qHwcP3A

Based on my research, I'm certain it's one of these two variations below. I'm just not sure about the voltage and how to identify the pin order.

https://rog.asus.com/forum/attachment.php?s=6ebdc99c23d18e50b41c1d879d3513ac&attachmentid=71018&d=1517278100&thumb=1

Best Answer

Some multimeters have a diode tester so you could use that on any number of LEDs to find their forward voltage. This may not work on adressable LEDs. Other than this you can try to identify the LEDs and Google them to find the spec sheets Fv at the least, but bear in mind that this is usually fairly inaccurate but it could be your only option.

You could also check the output of the PSU for the LEDs and go from there about a correct supply voltage.

If I needed to test the pinout I would:

  1. Try to find a schematic in the manual
  2. Tap each contact with a lesser supply voltage till you get lights
  3. Attempt to find the schematic and specs of the IC that is being used to make the LEDs adressable throughout the strip. This might also reveal the reccomended input as I would hope the ICs had a constant current driver (better running conditions for an LED than contant voltage).

Hopefully this is what your looking for!

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