Removing LEDs for dark-use Pi

[ilangold]

I am using a raspberry pi model 3B+ setup using Mathworks Raspbian image for a dark exposure experiment. The pi needs to be in the dark enclosure (NO light) so I need to disable ALL LEDs.

I tried the suggestions in this thread: https://www.raspberrypi.org/forums/view ... p?t=149126 but they did not work.

I've seen other suggestions to completely remove all the LEDs but before I attempt, I want to know if that will cause problems with the board. I realize that I wont actually have any visual cues from the pi once all the LEDs are removed, I just want to know if they need to be removed a certain way to prevent any issues arising in the remaining functionality.

[LTolledo]

just apply black colored hot glue on top of the LEDS....

[Sunoo]

This is what worked for me to get the power light disabled. Should also be the essentially the same for activity.

Code: Select all

dtparam=pwr_led_trigger=default-on
dtparam=pwr_led_activelow=on

Using none as the trigger didn’t work, I had to use default-on and activelow together. (activelow basically switches on and off, and default-on is always on)

[BeauSlim]

LEDs could still come on during a shutdown/reboot cycle. If that matters, covering/removing them is probably the best solution.

[PiGraham]

Covering would be the easiest option. a blob of black paint should do it. A small bottle of car touchup paint could be a good option as it's suitably small quantity and comes with a small brush.

[DougieLawson]

I am using a raspberry pi model 3B+ setup using Mathworks Raspbian image for a dark exposure experiment. The pi needs to be in the dark enclosure (NO light) so I need to disable ALL LEDs.

The answer (as with most WD40 vs gaffer tape questions) is gaffer tape. Just wrap the wee beastie up.

[PiGraham]

I am using a raspberry pi model 3B+ setup using Mathworks Raspbian image for a dark exposure experiment. The pi needs to be in the dark enclosure (NO light) so I need to disable ALL LEDs.

The answer (as with most WD40 vs gaffer tape questions) is gaffer tape. Just wrap the wee beastie up.

There's the obvious answer. Gaffer tape is universal solution for fixing. WD40 is the universal solution for undoing.

[stan_qaz]

I've used anti-tamper paint for this, the advantage over normal paint is that it is fairly easy to chip off if you want to see the light again.

Not the brand I used but looks similar: https://www.amazon.com/Viz-Torque-Tampe ... ef=sr_1_32

[kaksi]

This is what worked for me to get the power light disabled. Should also be the essentially the same for activity.

Code: Select all

dtparam=pwr_led_trigger=default-on
dtparam=pwr_led_activelow=on

Using none as the trigger didn’t work, I had to use default-on and activelow together. (activelow basically switches on and off, and default-on is always on)

Thanks. I bet it helped more than one.

[croft]

hi
the led issue is a problem with routers as well some home cimina owners say the same as well please will pie publish this information


thanks

[jamesh]

hi
the led issue is a problem with routers as well some home cimina owners say the same as well please will pie publish this information


thanks

It might not be possible to turn them all off all the time, will need to check.

[rin67630]

...and you still have got the brutal way that I use to use on Arduinos to spare a few milliamperes: knock them away with cutting pliers.
Anyhow they knock away pretty easily, even if you don't want to.

[rin67630]

It might not be possible to turn them all off all the time, will need to check.

Just to mention, if you could forward it to the hardware designers of the next versions: the LEDs are intended to be indicators, not illuminators. Driving them with a third of the current would be far enough for the purpose.
It is really a bad habit of hardware designer to put overbright LEDs on on every single USB device just to signal power.
Once you have few of them plugged in, it begin to look like a Christmas tree...

[croft]

hi if you cannot remove the led all the time how about only for boot up and power down the led shows

thanks

[aBUGSworstnightmare]

or apply this https://plastidip-sale.com/liquid-electrical-tape
easily to remove and to apply

[jahboater]

Seems a waste of power to paint over the LED's, I'd rather turn them off.

I use this in config.txt for the Pi4 - it seems to work, but there is probably a better way.

Code: Select all

# Disable the PWR LED
dtparam=pwr_led_trigger=none
dtparam=pwr_led_activelow=off
# Disable the Activity LED
dtparam=act_led_trigger=none
dtparam=act_led_activelow=off
# Disable ethernet port LEDs
dtparam=eth_led0=4
dtparam=eth_led1=4

[FlirtingWithDisaster]

.

Seems a waste of power to paint over the LED's, I'd rather turn them off.

I use this in config.txt for the Pi4 - it seems to work, but there is probably a better way.

Code: Select all

# Disable the PWR LED
dtparam=pwr_led_trigger=none
dtparam=pwr_led_activelow=off
# Disable the Activity LED
dtparam=act_led_trigger=none
dtparam=act_led_activelow=off
# Disable ethernet port LEDs
dtparam=eth_led0=4
dtparam=eth_led1=4

jahboater,

THANK YOU! That works perfectly on my Pi4's

[croft]

thank you
croft