LED Indicator Panel¶

Overview¶

An 8-channel LED indicator panel for visual feedback and status monitoring. Features bright, easy-to-read LEDs in a vertical array configuration. Ideal for VU meters, status indicators, sequential displays, or binary readouts.

Specifications¶

Size: 6 HP × 3U (30.48 mm × 128.5 mm)
Depth: 25 mm (including PCB)
Material: FR4 PCB (1.6mm thickness) with aluminum faceplate
Finish: Black solder mask with white silkscreen
Power Requirements: 5V DC, 200mA maximum
Mounting: T-slot compatible with 4 mounting points (M5/M6 twist nuts)

Features¶

Eight high-brightness LEDs (5mm diameter)
Vertical array layout with even spacing
Current-limiting resistors included on PCB
Compatible with 3.3V or 5V logic
Numbered indicators (1-8)
Choice of LED colors (red, green, blue, yellow, white)
Optional diffused window for softer appearance

Design Files¶

Design files will be available soon. This is an example panel for demonstration.

Example file structure: - PCB Gerber Files (ZIP) - Schematic (PDF/KiCad) - 3D Model (STEP) - Faceplate Design (DXF)

Bill of Materials¶

Qty	Part	Description	Approx. Cost
1	PCB	FR4 1.6mm, 6HP×3U	$8.00
1	Faceplate	Aluminum 1.5mm, laser cut	$10.00
8	LED	5mm, high-brightness	$4.00
8	Resistor	330Ω, 1/4W	$1.00
1	Connector	10-pin header, 2.54mm	$1.00
4	M3 Screw	8mm length, countersunk	$1.00
4	T-slot T-nut	M5/M6 compatible with rail system	$2.00
4	Spacer	M3, 3mm length (faceplate standoff)	$1.00

Total Estimated Cost: ~$28.00

Schematic¶

Each LED channel consists of:

Input Pin → 330Ω Resistor → LED (Anode) → LED (Cathode) → Ground

Input voltage: 3.3V - 5V
Current per LED: ~20mA
Total current (all on): ~160mA

Pinout¶

Pin 1:  LED 1 Input
Pin 2:  LED 2 Input
Pin 3:  LED 3 Input
Pin 4:  LED 4 Input
Pin 5:  LED 5 Input
Pin 6:  LED 6 Input
Pin 7:  LED 7 Input
Pin 8:  LED 8 Input
Pin 9:  Ground
Pin 10: Ground (redundant)

Assembly Instructions¶

PCB Assembly
Solder resistors (R1-R8) on bottom of PCB
Solder LEDs on top of PCB, observing polarity
Flat edge of LED = cathode (negative)
Solder connector header on bottom of PCB
LED Testing
Before installing faceplate, test all LEDs
Apply 5V to each input with ground connected
Verify brightness and color consistency
Faceplate Installation
Attach 3mm spacers to PCB mounting holes
Align faceplate over LEDs
Secure with M3 screws from back
Panel Mounting
Install T-slot twist nuts (M5/M6) in panel mounting slots
Position panel on rail
Insert and tighten mounting screws
Connect input cable

Applications¶

Audio: VU meter, level indicator
Status Display: System health monitoring
Binary Counter: Visual binary number display
Sequencer: Step indicator for music or control sequences
Process Indicator: Multi-stage progress display
Network Activity: Port or connection status
Sensor Display: Temperature, humidity, or other sensor ranges

Programming Examples¶

Arduino (Simple Control)¶

// Define LED pins
const int ledPins[] = {2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9};

void setup() {
  for (int i = 0; i < 8; i++) {
    pinMode(ledPins[i], OUTPUT);
  }
}

void loop() {
  // Chase effect
  for (int i = 0; i < 8; i++) {
    digitalWrite(ledPins[i], HIGH);
    delay(100);
    digitalWrite(ledPins[i], LOW);
  }
}

VU Meter Mode¶

Connect to audio processor or use analog input with comparators for automatic level display.

Variations¶

RGB LEDs: Use RGB LEDs for color-changing indicators
Larger LEDs: 10mm LEDs for increased visibility
Horizontal Layout: Rotate design for horizontal indicator bar
Bargraph Display: Use LED bargraph components
Digital Control: Add shift register for fewer input pins

License¶

This design is released under the MIT License.

Permission is hereby granted, free of charge, to use, copy, modify, and distribute this design for any purpose.

Author¶

Ranch Hand Robotics
GitHub: @Ranch-Hand-Robotics
Date: January 2026

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