Is there a way to test an LED?

[GuitarPlayer]

Peter,

You were correct! I had the LED reversed. I flipped it around this morning and it lit right up. Finally 

Thanks very much for your help. I learned quite a bit with this build, a lot of it the hard way 

Thanks too for all of the other replies and suggestions.

Jake

There is a flat mark on the body indicating the anode side and I did have it on the positive lead coming off the PCB.

I think I'll also look for sockets to plug the LED into, so they don't have to be exposed to heat. I have been using the shrink wrap already.

Well it's late here, I'll report back to this thread with my findings from tomorrow. Thanks again to you and all the others who provided advice.

Cheers!
Jake

The flat on the LED body is the Cathode.  The long lead is the Anode.

Although you can buy special sockets for LEDs, I usually use a similar socket to the 2 pin version of these http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=HM3402&keywords=header&form=KEYWORD because they are easier to get.

Peter.

[ClinchFX]

I'm glad to hear that it's working now.

Fault finding usually teaches you more than a build that goes well.

Peter.