Yep, your right.... Parallel! Casting my mind back and then thinking about it, I remember the way to wire both.... Funny what you remember when questioned...or corrected!!! ;) So much for my highschool memory !!(18years and counting!)
I haven't done such for so long it is all a bit hazy.... I have mostly just done what works!!
The 1 resistor per LED would be pretty awkward in the confined space... But I may look into it? ... Looked into it and the results are as follows...
Currently the parallel display would require 1x8.2ohm resistor rated 1/4 watt (the same if it was in series)
If it were 1 resistor per LED then 4x470ohm resistors would be required Rated at 1/2 watt
Issues at this time.... #1/ the fitting of 4 resistors into the confined space.
#2/ the purchase of 4 1/2 watt resistors (all mine are 1/4 watt rated) this is more about hassle than cost!
#3/ the fact that it works, and I can always repair/make another if it goes pearshaped!!
#4/ Quote from LED center....
"When you buy a package of light bulbs, you’ll see a number on the box that says something like “Life: 1125 hours.” This is defined as the time it takes for 50% of test samples to burn out. But there’s really not a standard definition like this for LEDs—they gradually decrease in brightness instead of “burning out.” The number 100,000 hours (about 11 years) gets mentioned a lot. Since an LED is a diode, even after it ceases to produce light, it will still use power."
Thus meaning it should be good with a blown LED for a while
I have many items linked in this way that have worked for many hours and not yet failed... I have yet too see one that I own go out, and that's a lot of LED's!!
I thank you for your input MM, I think we all need a kick in the a#@ now and again!! I will try to do better with any electronicals in future ;D
I started this post at about 20:30 GMT now it's nearly 22:00.... That's what happens when you spend time researching your answers!!
Still happy to have learnt a great deal this evening
Ralph.