Difference between Neons, LEDs & Cathodes
 

Although most members know the difference, some are just getting introduced into the world of automotive lighting. To some, this is common sense, but to others - This may be helpful when trying to decide what kind of lights to use.

Thanks.

LED:

--Uses less energy.
^^A single LED uses only 20milliamps, but the higher power ones can require allot more.
--Lasts longer.
^^Most LEDs last 100,000 hours, which is 11.4 years of 24/7 non-stop use, but this can change on voltage environment, other conditions, and even LED types..
--More directional glow.
^^Spread degree of LEDs can vary from 10 degrees to 100 degrees in most cases, but design can correct this problem.
--More precise colors.
^^thousands of colors possible, due to their precise manufacturing abilities of the manufacturers.
--Tons of colors possible.
^^thousands of colors possible, due to their precise manufacturing abilities of the manufacturers.
--Millions possible with the mixing of RGB LEDs.
^^mixing the brightness’ of Red, Green, and Blue can create millions of colors more than the human eye can see.
--Tons of patterns and effects possible.
^^Due to the nature of LEDs, their illumination speeds and color combination can be used to create millions of patterns and effects.
--Produces no heat, unless high powered LEDs are used.
^^nothing about the LED produces heat, but be very cautious with the high powered LEDs because they do produce heat.
--Can work in any temperature a human can handle.
^^the could careless about temperature, but they have their limitations, but we will almost never run into that limitation.
--Requires minimal voltages, which requires resistors.
^^Requires anywhere from 2-4 volts for most LEDs, but there are some that require high voltages. Resistors, or even voltage regulators are required to bring high voltage sources down to the LEDs voltage level.
--Temper-mental to voltage spikes. A voltage regulator fixes this.
^^LEDs can easily be fried by over voltages, resistors are not always good enough to stop voltage spikes, but a voltage regulator does a much better job.
--Can work on lower than optimal voltages. Mainly for creating other colors through RGB color mixing.
^^Mainly for creating other colors through RGB color mixing.
--Very small in size.
^^ Sizes vary from surface mount LEDs, 3mm, 5mm, 8mm, 10mm, and many many more .
--Mostly waterproof besides contact leads and wires.
^^The LED itself is waterproof, but the leads going into the LED casing are not, but a simple coat of many waterproofing agents will fix that.
--Illuminates in nanoseconds, great for taillights.
^^The design of LEDs makes this possible, and if you really want to know why then search the net for more info on LEDs and how they work.



Neons:

--Brighter than most LEDs.
^^but not for long.
--More even, 360 glow.
^^ The design mostly.
--Colors hard to match with LEDs, and possibly other brands of neons.
^^Just the way that manufactures make their neons.
--Use more energy than LEDs.
^^Generally between 1-2amps, but can vary on length of tubes and how many.
--Only hundreds of colors available, if even that. average around 10-15 colors, but manufactures can have different color hues.
^^Manufacturing, and how popular the colors actually are.
--Produces some heat.
^^Design.
--Requires a transformer.
^^The actual Neon elements require very high AC voltage, so the transformer is used to do this.
--Does not work well with cold temperatures.
^^Its mainly the design of the neons, but give it some time and the will eventually warm-up and turn on.
--Temper-mental to voltage spikes.
^^The same as LEDs, the transformers don't like voltage spikes.
--Temper-mental to almost any voltage variations.
^^Under voltage can cause a transformer to burn-out early.
--Will not last long on lower than standard voltages.
^^Under voltage can cause a transformer to burn-out early.
--Not waterproof, unless specifically said so. Mainly under-glow neons are made waterproof.
^^Liquid electrical tape, epoxy, silicone, and many other stuff.
--Not many patterns or effects possible due to their stupid transformer, which creates a lag time before full illumination.



Cathodes:
Practically the same as neons but

--Requires a little less energy than regular neons.
^^Under voltage can cause a transformer to burn-out early.
--Are small in size than neons.
^^Design.
--Are generally brighter than neons.
^^Design.
--Are somewhat more fragile than neons, but its all in design.
^^Design.

Re: Difference between Neons, LEDs & Cathodes
 

whats the best one to put under my car

Re: Difference between Neons, LEDs & Cathodes
 

prolly leds, cause they dont break very easily. just find a bright kit that uses superflux square style leds and not the lil smd chips or 5mm leds

Re: Difference between Neons, LEDs & Cathodes
 

In my opinion, LED is the way to go. So little power draw, and last much longer. Neon's are nice, but LED has some many more advantages.

I wouldn't ever, EVER suggest someone to use cathodes, just for the fact that their transformers aren't waterproof.

Re: Difference between Neons, LEDs & Cathodes
 

Temper-mental?

Re: Difference between Neons, LEDs & Cathodes
 

Yeah, meaning very sensitive to voltage spikes, surges, or just low voltage - which could burn the transformer/cathode out.

Re: Difference between Neons, LEDs & Cathodes
 

cathodes also take a long time to warm up in cold weather. prolly the only thing theyre good for is in headlights.

Re: Difference between Neons, LEDs & Cathodes
 

Lol, I think he was just slapping you for your poor english. :lol:

Re: Difference between Neons, LEDs & Cathodes
 

a good site tht i go on is OZNIUM.com they have a nice selection of led's cathodes and sum neon they have this underbody kit called the BEEFY STRIP its a thick strip of rubber tht holds led's for underbody reall rugged and very nicee i was thinkin of gettin one guys should chek it outt

Re: Difference between Neons, LEDs & Cathodes
 

My Spidey Sense is tingling again.....:giggle:

Re: Difference between Neons, LEDs & Cathodes
 

:roflmao: :rofl: :lol: :giggle: :roflmao: :rofl: Sorry all, but that was hilarious!!!!

Re: Difference between Neons, LEDs & Cathodes
 

wait..i dont get it?...im kinda slow so um explain? i wanna laugh too! did i miss sumthin??:confused: