Need advice regarding a major voltage drop.

[MillenniumFalsehood]

I'm attempting to hook up a simple blinking circuit parallel with a string of white LEDs in a ship I'm modeling. The problem is that the blinker draws a lot of current, so much so that it significantly dims the whites on the other circuit. My question is, what would be the best solution for this? I'm thinking a voltage regulator, but I don't know much about them.

Stats:

3mm White LEDs x13 in parallel

5mm Green, Red, and Blinking Red LEDs

1mm Red LED x4 wired in parallel to a solid-state blinker.

Each one is a circuit which runs on 3 volts.

[Mr. Engineer]

For all LEDs, did you use any current limiting resistors on them?

[MillenniumFalsehood]

Yes, one per string(they're all in parallel). The ratings are:

150 ohm on the red-green-blinking red and the 1mmx4 strings.

51 ohm on the white LEDs.

[brt]

Frequently 3mm and 5mm LEDs require 3.4 to 3.6 volts. 3 AAs would be needed and then the appropriate resistors. If your blinker is a 555 timer you lose 1.7 to 2.0 volts across it, so you would then need 4 AAs.

[tetsujin]

1mm Red LED x4 wired in parallel to a solid-state blinker.

I'm confused... Why would the LEDs be wired in parallel to a blinker circuit? That sounds kind of messed up. Can you give me a schematic or something?

[RossW]

I think he means the blinking circuit is wired up in parallel with other, non-blinking LEDs.

Yes, you need a voltage regulator. Batteries won't do it. You can build your own, but a wall wart which is specifically tagged as regulated voltage is your best bet.