How to reduce 12v to 8v?

I have another multimeter at work, I'll check it with that one tomorrow, thx for your time and efforts

 

at max brightness - on average, LEDs consume 20ma per single color diode. it looks like you have a total of 54 LEDs and need about 1.08 amps (roughly) power it.

 

Did you try reversing the wires? Electricity only flows one way through LEDs

 

I did not, its marked + and - on it, when its plugged into its original device it works perfect so I know they work, I dont need the other part of the fixture, I just want to power the red LEDs

 

That's assuming they're all in parallel, but with them running 8v, I'm certain they aren't. It's probably groups of 4 in series, and then those groups are parallel. With 36 on the board he wants to run, it would be something like 180 mA, if my pre coffee head math is right. I'd rather measure it though.

 

Can you extend the wires on the one you want to use and plug that fixture into the truck hidden somewhere? It looks like that fixture is some kind of controller for the leds and has resistors and a capacitor in the circuit.

 

No because I need that to run the LEDs that are on it, the separate LEDpanel that's connected with wires is gonna be powered by another source, hopefully

 

Oh, sounds like the other guy may know a bit more about the math side of things then, just throwing my ideas out there because it seems simpler. But if you need both pieces for separate applications then I guess you'll have to figure them out separately.

 

Well thx for the input, as I know nothing about LEDs or OLEDs so any advice is welcome, looks like I'm gonna need a driver to run them,

 

Yeah thats probably your best bet. Probably easier than messing with resistors to get the exact voltage and amperage you need.

 

Ya, messing with resistors is mind boggling to me, I've used them to drop the voltage down to what it needs and they dont light. I just order the LDD 1000L, it will be here Thursday, hopefully that will do it, thx again

 

Good luck man, hope it works out

 

It will, thx

 

Just note that the 1000 might be too much. That device is a constant current device, so it will increase its output voltage until it gets to 1A output. If that is more current than needed, it'll burn up your LEDs. If you plug them in, and they're REALLY bright, unplug them.

 

You should be able to use a zener diode to regulate voltage.

 

Well I hope it works, I'll get a current flow reading today so I can do the math and get the right part that's needed. They are super bright in there stock configuration so that won't tell me much. Thx for the info. I thought this was gonna be an easy thing to do, and it's not, but i will get it fingered out.

 

So, with my multi meter set at 200m on the amp setting I'm getting 00.8 mA. Of current.
With it on and the wire hooked back up im getting 7.9 to 8 volts running to it on the DC volt setting

 

Where u at my friend?

 

Hmmm. 0.8mA isn't very much (far less than expected). Could it be 80mA? Or 800mA?

 

I used the settings u suggested
Setting was 200m and the reading was 00.8,
I'll go check it again right now