I played a little with similar similar devices, but that was a few years ago for an automotive electronics class (A6). I haven't done anything with them since, but if I recall correctly, they really were that simple.

I say buy some red LEDs with similar current requirements and give it a shot (red LEDs are cheap). Use an adjustable power supply to give it up to 17v and down to 9v. Those should be just outside the extremes of expected operation for your rig. If it works for those, it should work great with with your white LEDs. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />