Quick question about supplying power during install.

Hello everyone!

I'm installing the ribbon leds into my gauge cluster but it would help if I could somehow get the leds to light up so I can make sure they are in the correct position before putting everything back together. Is there a particular way I could do this before installing them into the car? If it's a battery, what size would I need to use?

Thanks in advance!

You could use one of these: http://www.oznium.com/ac-adapter

Or a 9V battery would work

Any 12V battery should work. Or like Phil said, a 9V would also work but it won't be quite as bright as 12V but will still light up pretty good.

Radioshack has an adaptor that you can select the output voltage on. I have it mounted on to a screw terminal block on the bench and use it to test everything before install. Either that or I use PC power supply that I bench test by carpc on.

Or you could always simply take an 12 volt cig. lighter adapter,cut the end off and add a pair of alligator style clips to the ends,which allows you to make quick connections,to whatever your wanting to power up for an in vehicle test.

Thanks everyone for the great suggestions, I'll be going with a 9v battery simply because it's the least expensive, most readily available, and I won't have to chop anything up on the car.

Tat2Dragons wrote:

Or you could always simply take an 12 volt cig. lighter adapter,cut the end off and add a pair of alligator style clips to the ends,which allows you to make quick connections,to whatever your wanting to power up for an in vehicle test.

And that is what I have for the in-car tests as well, although I just use some insulated female disconnects just to be sure that the two never come in contact and inadvertently blow the fuse.

Spawn wrote:

Tat2Dragons wrote: Or you could always simply take an 12 volt cig. lighter adapter,cut the end off and add a pair of alligator style clips to the ends,which allows you to make quick connections,to whatever your wanting to power up for an in vehicle test. And that is what I have for the in-car tests as well, although I just use some insulated female disconnects just to be sure that the two never come in contact and inadvertently blow the fuse.

I forgot to mention...always use the alligator style clips with the rubber covers,that you can slide over the exposed part of the wire to prevent shorts from happening during testing.

Thanks for the quick answers everyone, this is a great, resourceful forum!