> > I inadvertently connected an LED directly to RC5 with no current
> limiting
> > resistor.  It is flashing brightly at 1 Pulse Per Second.  The PIC port
> can only
> > source about 25 mA and that's about right for a bright LED.  Other than
> the
> > current draw is there any down side to driving the LED directly?
>
> This is a bad idea as the PIC port is only specified to provide at least
> 25mA at a certain minimum voltage.  There is no guarantee it won't supply
> more, at the LED voltage.  You could end up damaging both the PIC and the
> LED.

Also, if the LED is not destroyed, it will most likely appear to be a
different color, usually dimmer than before. Returning to a safe current
will also not fix the LED once its been "roasted" ;)

Sincerely,
Brett

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