Connecting HDD Indicator to LED Strip

KonfuciousK · 18 Nov 2015 at 02:06

So I'm trying to figure out how to connect a strip(s) of LEDs to work in tandem with the hard disk indicator light. I'm trying to see how it would look if the thing was lighting up like a discotheque.

Ideally I would like this to work independently, without software, off each hard drive in real-time probably 2/2 SSD/HDD. This way I could colour code them.

Otherwise I can explore having it all work under the one light if I can't rig it separately.

Finally and least favourably if anyone knows of any simple non-resource-hungry software that could work alongside a controller to achieve this?

This is my first time even considering vajjazling a case so my LED knowledge outside of plug the jumper the correct way round is non-existent. I'm hoping I don't need a specialised motherboard.

Want to try this on a Gigabyte Z97P-D3 Intel 1150.

Rroff · 18 Nov 2015 at 02:15

You'd need some kind of software solution to get the activity state of individual HDDs the motherboard status header is the overall state and while I'm not sure what current the header can provide typically for that kind of connection it would be either 3.3, 5 or 12v and 12-20ma so you won't drive many LEDs at a good brightness level off that (and risk of damaging the board doing so).

With a bit of electronics knowledge it would be trivial to use the header as a trigger for a relay of some kind that drove a higher level power source though.

KonfuciousK · 18 Nov 2015 at 03:38

Ahh cool, I'm surprised someone hasn't gotten around to creating some simple solution to this.

From what I could find you are right, to get all of them working off the motherboard it seems you need a relay that "boosts" it to 12v.

I'll keep looking anyway. Thanks for the input.

Rroff · 18 Nov 2015 at 03:42

There used to be some visualisation devices that worked like that I recall from many many years back but I guess its a fairly niche product so maybe don't exist any more.

KonfuciousK · 18 Nov 2015 at 04:14

Yeah I'm beginning to understand that, software solution seems too clunky to consider and would slow performance rather than visualise it.

On another note, I've found that you can peel back pin 39 on the hard drive cable and loop it around to an led for individual activity but this is only confirmed working on IDE drives... which coincidentally I have a few lying around...

But even if SATA could be worked the same that still doesn't solve the extra voltage issue. I'll need to find an electronics engineer... :cool:

EDIT: Well I found an adapter for SATA with activity LEDs with external 12v option but they're quite pricey. Still, at least simple options exist.