So im running a program that allows for leds to chase each other,, its very basic, however the problem im having is when i wire the leds up in a series for different cups on the table im greatly losing power and the brightness of the leds. So i thought add a 12v 5a power supply with a transistor 2N3904 to the leds and a few resistors and it will solve my problem. However it hasnt it looks exactly the same when the power supply is on or when its off. its like there is no power coming from the power supply through the transistor and getting to the leds. I have all the grounds wired to gether, the power from the 12v power supply to the collector arduino pin 9 to a 10k resistor then to the base, and ive used every size resistor i own all the way down to a 150 ohm resistor to the power to the 5 leds im running in test. ive metered the power going into the collector and im getting a good 12.5 V to the collector pin and about 10v coming out of the emitter but as far as what ive got wrong form there im completely lost. ANY help would be greatly appreciated.
No doubt it will be easier to help if you include a schematic of what you have created and/or the code you wrote to run it.