Turn LEDs/cathodes off/on

413x · 25 Mar 2010 at 20:52

this is my first built PC and inside the case is pretty dark, i cant really see to get at components etc, always need a torch!

i havew a couple of 200mm fans [the one which came with the case is wired to an off switch] but the other isnt, but doesnt need to be on all the time, im also thinking of installing a red cathode in it,

is there a way to turn all these off by ONE external switch/panel? when i watch a film/dvd i like to have all the LEDs off.

just wondering

Strawberry · 25 Mar 2010 at 20:57

Not sure if the cathodes like it if you do that, but you could just make your own switch and run them all off the same rail. (Don't draw much power either way)

Possibly even cut off the cables to the off switch that's on your case already, run it into some cabler splitter (or solder it if you know how), then run all of your other LEDs (including the original fan) through that. Just make sure they're all parallel and not in sequence.

If you want to solely turn the fans off you could see if you can get a cheapo fan controller to do it for you, that way you can adjust the brightness as well.

413x · 25 Mar 2010 at 21:05

im only really interested in on/off, dont need anything more fancy.

yes, if i could wire them all up to the exisitin switch that would be best! dont have access to solder tools. but i could sort a cable splitter. parallel, ok.

Strawberry · 25 Mar 2010 at 21:19

Basically this.

(Felt like drawing it)

413x · 25 Mar 2010 at 21:34

thanks, yeah i did know what parallel was [from physics at school lol] good drawing!

it will be quite tricky to get to the power button tho! :0