Re: Wiring LEDs together

Hi everyone, Thanks again for all of your very helpful replies!

I looked over everything you all said and did some thinking. I like
Ed's (10) AA battery solution and I'm pretty sure we have the space
allowance in the hats for them. However, before I commit to purchasing
the battery holders, resistors, batteries, and such, I want to be sure
that the AA batteries will be able to push 500 mA of consistent
current - I can't have these guys going dim on me. I wasn't able to
find the maximum peak current on any battery manufacturer's web sites.
Do you all know for a fact that 10 AAs can push at least 500 mA?

In response to Werty's post, I checked out Harbor Freights web site,
but the only 18vdc batteries I found were drill batteries. If these
are what you were referring to, they definately won't work, just due
to their size and weight. I've listed the exact specs of the LEDs we
have below.

Emitted Colour : WHITE
Size (mm) : 5mm T1 3/4
Lens Colour : Water Clear
Peak Wave Length (nm) : N/A
Forward Voltage (V) : 3.2 ~ 3.8
Typical Voltage (V) : 3.4
Reverse Current (uA) : <=30
Luminous Intensity Typ Iv (mcd) : Average in 13000
Life Rating : 100,000 Hours
Viewing Angle : ±10°
Absolute Maximum Ratings (Ta=25°C)
Max Power Dissipation : 80mw
Max Continuous Forward Current : 30mA
Max Peak Forward Current : 75mA
Reverse Voltage : 5~6V
Lead Soldering Temperature : 240°C (<5Sec)
Operating Temperature Range : -25°C ~ +85°C
Preservative Temperature Range : -30°C ~ +100°C

Should I really try to run these at 20 mA as opposed to the 30 mA that
I've been calculating for?
I also didn't quite understand the other solutions you suggested. I
googled LM431 and found Shunt Regulators, but I'm not sure how I would
go about using one of these. I think the whole shunt and MOSFET idea
is a little beyond me. If there's a really good tutorial of how to use
these online somewhere, it might be more feasible, but given my
current knowledge level, I'd be more comfortable sticking with using
LEDs, resistors, and batteries.

Thanks again for all of your helpful replies and your knowledge! I
couldn't do this without your help!

.