Lifespan of a bubble light?

  • Thread starter Thread starter John
  • Start date Start date
J

John

You know those goofy bubble light rods on the front of PC cases?
How long do they last? A neighbors kid bought a case less than a year
ago and it stopped working. Is that normal? Its in an enermax case.
 
You know those goofy bubble light rods on the front of PC cases?
How long do they last? A neighbors kid bought a case less than a year
ago and it stopped working. Is that normal? Its in an enermax case.
Click to expand...


They generally have an LED at each end and "could" last a
very long time. The variability could be due to how hard
the LEDs are driven to produce more light output, how sturdy
the wiring/connections and plug are, and whether the power
supply is working properly or causing massive ripple.

If you tore it apart you might be able to pinpoint the
problem, if you're handy with a multimeter or if the problem
is visually obvious.

A properly designed LED bubble light could last for decades,
can't say for certain whether Enermax's would or not, on
average.
 
They generally have an LED at each end and "could" last a
very long time. The variability could be due to how hard
the LEDs are driven to produce more light output, how sturdy
the wiring/connections and plug are, and whether the power
supply is working properly or causing massive ripple.

If you tore it apart you might be able to pinpoint the
problem, if you're handy with a multimeter or if the problem
is visually obvious.

A properly designed LED bubble light could last for decades,
can't say for certain whether Enermax's would or not, on
average.
Click to expand...


At any rate, a complete rebuilt of the bubble light
electrical system would be comprised of:

1 4-pin molex plugged adapter (like the following fan
adapter) with the fan plug cut off and the wire ends
stripped for the next connection.:
http://www.svcompucycle.com/3pinto4pinad.html

About 4 feet of ~ 22 gauge (anything really) 2 conductor
wire.

As many super-bright LEDs as you need. Everybody and their
brother sells super-bright LEDs these days, but you might
need to replace all 4(?) to get a color and brightness match
between them all. About 0.20 to 2.00 each, the price varies
wildly depending on vendor and actual brightness. 3000 MCD
should be sufficient but the originals might be anywhere
from 2000-5000MCD, maybe higher if RED (just a random
guess).

At least 1 1/2 watt resistor. Ideally 4 of them but the
case likely used only one in-line before the power lead
split 4 ways to each LED. The Enermax original wiring
might've used 5V or might've used 12V. If it used 5V, a
resistor(s) around 100 Ohm would be called for. If 12V,
around 300 Ohm. These are VERY rough figures, and LED
vendor would ideally be one that supplies specs on the LED
which can be used to calculate the resistor value needed. A
Google search should easily enough find "super bright LED
resistor calculator"

Then of course you'd need a soldering iron or some tiny,
secure crimp-splices, perhaps some shrink tubing to finish
it off. if the particular problem component from the
Enermax wiring can be isolated then only that portion needs
replaced... it could be as simple as soldering together a
broken off wire.
 
I remember now this guy bought his system a few months ago not a year
ago. There was a series of power outages , lightening storms and
other stuff that seemed to affect some PCs . I have no idea if it did.
I recall some guy who used to post here who used to say the power
surge fears were grossly exaggerated.

However his bubble light just doesnt work. I looked up the
instructions on wiring it at enermax just in case a wire came loose.
I can see some screws attaching the bars in side the front of the
panel. I might contact them for another unit since the warranty is one
year they tell me.

You can buy units online too for $10 a bar but Im not sure theyll fit
right. I think hes one disappointed 13 yr old cause all his friends
have multi-colored bubble lights and now he doesnt.

I thought LEDs lasted forever but Ive had some strange problems with
them. Another LED went out on my tube hybrid integrated Jolida stereo
amp. They were kind enough to send me a replacement rightaway
eventhough I had the unit for over a year.
 
I remember now this guy bought his system a few months ago not a year
ago. There was a series of power outages , lightening storms and
other stuff that seemed to affect some PCs . I have no idea if it did.
I recall some guy who used to post here who used to say the power
surge fears were grossly exaggerated.

However his bubble light just doesnt work. I looked up the
instructions on wiring it at enermax just in case a wire came loose.
I can see some screws attaching the bars in side the front of the
panel. I might contact them for another unit since the warranty is one
year they tell me.

You can buy units online too for $10 a bar but Im not sure theyll fit
right. I think hes one disappointed 13 yr old cause all his friends
have multi-colored bubble lights and now he doesnt.

I thought LEDs lasted forever but Ive had some strange problems with
them. Another LED went out on my tube hybrid integrated Jolida stereo
amp. They were kind enough to send me a replacement rightaway
eventhough I had the unit for over a year.
Click to expand...

Overclocked LEDs?
An LED will last a LOT longer when driven at modern current
levels. But, it'll give off less light, so if manufacturer
wants "x" MCD of light from a given LED, they can choose a
more expensive LED and drive it moderately, or a cheaper one
driven harder, with more current. I kinda doubt Enermax was
looking at even median "super" brightness when they make the
lights, just cost. You'd have to take the circuit out of
the case for easier troubleshooting, the LEDs may just slide
into the bubble light tube/structure, "might" even be
removable by just popping the front bezel off, not having to
detach the bubble tubes.
 
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