DiscoLitez | Hardware / LED

8-bit LED schematic

For the less-electronic-minded people, here is the LED design. This circuit has both its advantages and disadvantages: It is easy to build, does not use mains voltage, and it does not endanger your parallel port in any way.

However, the LEDs are not as bright as normal mains powered lights, so you probably can't use them at a party. Also you can't use superbright or high current LEDs! These LEDs draw too much current, and the port will not be able to power them. A buffer circuit should be used if you wish to drive these LEDs or electromechanical relays.