ok..
Im home..
(thanks for the replies)
lets see if I have this straight...
fixes:
1.) 1k transistor >> arduino pin resistors change to: 220ohm
2.) I could NOT find a 3.9 Ohm resistor.. I did however find a 3.32 Ohm one (0805 footprint.. but should fit).. I think that gives me roughly 370mA.. which is just a smidge over their rating.. (but I have heard people over drive these.. and it will NOT be running/on for any length of time only a quick 'blink/flash' at any given time.
*noted about not doing that with my PSU.. ensure the AMP is dialed down the appropriate level the LED needs.
turning it on right now I see its (my PSU) @ +07.3Volts & 0.34A.. which I believe was the last setting I used when checking those RGB leds..
I will address those in a little bit..
moving on though.. the current/remaining issue is that the LEDS are lit when I connect the PCB??
As you guessed it.. when I connect the PCB/LED.. the RED is on.. I disconnect the RED.. green is on.. unplug green.. blue is left.
What is going on? You had made reference this behavior before about the red being on because it has the lowest vF..etc..
seems like you have handle on this error? what am I doing wrong?
lastly you want me to meter voltage on the transistor(s):
collectors
bases
I need to look at the data sheet to know what is what..
http://www.fairchildsemi.com/ds/BC/BC817.pdfDo you want the led 'connected' to the board or off?
(or doesnt it matter for this?)
PSU settings:
+7.4v
1.00A
using the pcb (blue) pic from above....
putting red probe from meter on the battery V+ input pads/wires... (VIN)
black probe on collector:
T3- +7.4v
T2- +7.4v
T1- +7.4v
black probe on base:
B3- +6.66v
B2- +6.66v
B1- +6.66v
as far as this;"With the LEDs, Arduino, and battery disconnected, put your meter on Diode Check and confirm that you have the correct diode drops in the correct direction. Confirm that the CE connection reads as an Open."
so take the constant current board/pcb (blue one in pic above)..
disconnect battery/Arduino and LED (plain pcb)..
what setting is the DIODE CHECK? continuity?
And there is NO DIODE on the pcb.. just the pads.. that have been bridged..(little piece of metal soldered in...in the pic?)
so.. should I be going ahead and doing number 1 & 2 above? or should I not bother yet? I mean having a little (dim) led, but working in the correct manner, just means I need to adjust values on the T resistors and the LM317 resistor..
but logically, its working.. (no, I am stuck in the scenario you mentioned about the lowest vF is being turned on..etc)
thanks!