LEDs in a Nano Kenbak-1

[Unlike Tec]

ask. Is it possible to lower the intensity of the LEDs in a Nano Kenbak-1? if that's how it's done...

[Ricky Bryce]

I don't think so without modifying the circuitry.   The original Kenbak-1 would dim the outputs at 200 to display user input at 377 if a button is pressed.  This was not implemented in the Kenbakuino code.  I'm guessing because of memory and scan time restraints.  You could always make a "visor" to go over the LED's unless someone knows of a better way to do this.

[Unlike Tec]

thank you friend, more than anything it is to give more life to the battery by reducing consumption by lowering the intensity of the led ... thank you

[Austin Erickson]

Yes, I think if the white led's were switched out for red led's that would make it more pleasing to the eyes. But less accurate to the original. I do really like the orange led's.

[famousd...@gmail.com]

Search my website for "schematic" and look at the µKenbak-1 schematic.  If you replace the 2.2k and 470 ohm resistor arrays with higher values they would appear dimmer.  Note that these are isolated resistor arrays that do not have a common connection.

[famousd...@gmail.com]

Oh sorry you asked about the nanoKenbak-1.  That would require replacing the SMD resistors.  R16-R23 are 2.2k, and R24-R27 are 470 ohm.  Replace them with higher values.

[Austin Erickson]

Thanks, but I'm more of a programmer than an engineer. But out of interest if I ever do try out the µKenbak-1 what would I need to do to change the white led's to red led's or would it be an easy swap out?

[famousd...@gmail.com]

You can just swap the white LEDs for red ones.  The µKenbak-1 may not be available for much longer, I only have about a dozen left.