simulate this circuit – Schematic created using CircuitLab
I'm using Arduino Mega Pro 5V. Pins use a max of 40-50mA.
I'm connecting 3 RGB super bright 5mm LEDs. Currently wired in parallel each light with 100Ω resistor.
I'm hooking the lights up to fiber optic fabric and they just aren't lighting the Fiber optics up very well. I'm having them switch from Pink to Blue with PWM pins. I'm trying to figure out how to get the lights brighter. After thinking about it I'm confused to if I need the resistors or if I'm using to high since they are all connected to the same pin. I think this is dulling the light alot.
I need 10 lights total 2 groups of 3 lights and two groups of 2 lights so on the two lights I can see where I may need a small resistor but since the Aurdino already limits part of the current.
This is only my 2nd project, its for a costume Sewing I'm expert. I've only recently started adding electronics and I'm teaching myself so sometime need the help of other more experienced than me.
Here is the only information I have on the lights. And I'm Using the Arduino Mega Pro 5V from Sparkplug. Currently I'm using a lilypad max 40MA but I need more PWM pins so I'll be switching to sparkplug board (it shipped today)
I tested my lilypad red pin with multimeter and it was drawing 30-40MA.
Condition: 100% Brand new and high quality
Material: Plastic and metal
Quantity: 100 pcs
Mode: Common Cathode
Forward Voltage: 1.8~3.4V
Power: 0.06W
Bulb Diameter: 5mm
Total Length: 36mm
Package include: 100pcs common cathode 4-Pins Led light
Best Answer
The circuit you have is trying to draw far too much current from each pin, between 60 and 100mA per. Even if the pins could handle that much current, the MCU can't, which would result in the eventual destruction of the device. You should modify your circuit so that it uses low-side switching using transistors to draw current directly from the power supply instead of through the MCU.