16 LEDs On makes the LCD display weak?

Thanks guys.

I don't know yet the current for each led. I'm using 220ohm resistors and a shift-parallel out chip.

Can I use an external power and still have the usb plug, or I have to keep the usb unpluged while not using it, unplug the power, plug the usb, upload, unplug usb, plug power, ... ??

Wk