How to check LEDs

[bpeck]

So I bought a second hand DIY. So it wasn't wired up very well and I was attempting to re solder some stuff then whoops a wire touch half way down the series. Now no LEDs are coming on. I don't think driver is bad and I don't think all LEDs are bad. Is there a way to test these ill buggers?

 

[Reef Breeders Verified Sponsor]

Yes, wire 2 1.5v batteries together, to get 3v, and touch postive to positive, negative to negative. Sounds like you blew an LED, or a fuse.

 

[btldreef]

You can also use a DMM (digital multimeter) $20 at lowes or home depot. Since you have a DIY led setup I would recommend having one for future diagnostics.
Most likely one of your wires are touch/ grounding out.
ANEMONEKEEPER has one way.
Another... using your soldering iron, if its an electric one, touch the + side of each led. If one lights up a slight bit, that is the one grounding out.
If you have purchased/have a DMM, set to continuity test .... looks kind of like this symbol -->l-- )))
place black probe on the heatsink and red probe one any of the soldered points of the led. If numbers pop up or makes a beep that is where you problem is.
9 out of 10 times that is usually the problem. Hope this helps!

 

[ReefLEDLights]

This link may help as well Trouble Shooting and things NOT to do! « « ReefLEDLights | LED Aquarium Lighting ReefLEDLights | LED Aquarium Lighting

A cold solder may cause a momentary open which will cause the driver to surge. This surge can fry most if not all LEDs in series.


Bill