RED Griffin Powermate Writeup (Other Colors Too)!

JohnMP3 · 03-15-2007, 12:08 AM

Well - I finally did it. I wanted a red powermate LED light and of course not only does nobody sell one but nobody seemed to post directions. I have to tell you - this little thing is NOT easy to open up and change the LED on. It is a special kind of LED and it took me HOURS to track down the manufacturer. No thanks to the guys at Griffin

Plus to change the LED you have to desolder no less than 5 different points all the while keeping wires as thin as human hair from breaking. Did I mention there was NO extra room to pull the circuit board out to work on this? Oh, and the bottom is glued on. Anyway, I am glad it is finally done.

While I was at it I upped the brightness. I decided on red but yellow, orange, white and a higher powered blue were also available. Various intensities are available as well. If anybody is interested in buying a black and red model from me - send me a PM and I might put some together. They would likely cost around $85 shipped though. This first one took me about 8 hours to do but I figure I could do it again in about 1.5 if I avoid breaking and needing to repair the USB wires.

Here are some pics! Both Powermates are at their max brightness.

DeLorean Dave · 03-16-2007, 09:26 PM

Has anyone figured out the PowerMate problem that causes it not to be recognized, neccessitating unplugging and repluggin a lot?

mustanglou · 03-24-2007, 08:36 AM

Could you post more details? Could you post a link to the manufacturer and relevant specs about the necessary leds? I'm interested in doing something similar. Thanks

sparkyssb · 03-27-2007, 09:35 AM

Hey JohnMP3. Thanks for the info on the Powermate however this isn't much of a writeup, more like an ad. You might want to change the title.

skiman · 03-27-2007, 10:02 AM

wow thats pretty cool. i wouldnt mind having a blue one that has the brightness bumped up but not for $85

ive been meaning to buy a powermate for some time just havnt gotten around to it.

GoHybrid · 03-27-2007, 02:03 PM

you can save those thin wires by applying hot glue over the connection points. Make sure you get the insulators too and that will give you some decent strain relief when you can't depend on the molded connector.

Also, if you want to remove the circuit board, the cylinder is a mild press fit into the base. You should be able to support the base and push on the cylinder from the bottom and it will pop out. Then you can twist the strain relief molding free and work on the board. Assembly is the reverse.