LED lighting - Page 5

RVbySDI · #41 03-03-2009, 09:26 AM

Thanks Bob,
Will read Bob Nuckell's information. If the circuit is simple my mind can probably handle it. If not, then I might end up frying my brain trying to figure it out.

We will see.

Danny7 · #42 03-03-2009, 09:48 AM

Steve- Pete's method makes do with a 25 cent resistor instead of the 18$ power puck. I think you need one on each wing, so that is about a $35 difference, and the power pucks have got to be an ounce or two heavier.

RVbySDI · #43 03-03-2009, 10:06 AM

Thanks Danny,
That does answer several questions.

Now, I guess I am needing the most important question answered. Bob has mentioned that in order to strobe the LED's I need a circuit in front of everything to make it strobe. What is needed for such a circuit? I am in no way an electronics guy but I am taking this EDUCATION AND RECREATION thing to heart and am wanting to learn how I can build this circuit to allow for LED strobes.

If anyone has information on this type of circuit I am very interested in learning how to build it.

p.s. I have ordered Bob Nuckoll's book so I am hopeful I will learn a lot when I read it. In the meantime I am in the middle of building my wingtip lights now so I would appreciate any information anyone currently has on the construction of this strobe circuit.

Thanks,
Steve

xavierm · #44 03-03-2009, 11:27 AM

Here are a few links for LED flasher circuits.

http://wild-bohemian.com/electronics/flasher.html

Flip Flop / wig wag circuit

This one looks promising. http://picprojects.org.uk/projects/strobe/index.htm

Danny7 · #45 03-03-2009, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RVbySDI

Thanks Danny,
That does answer several questions.

Now, I guess I am needing the most important question answered. Bob has mentioned that in order to strobe the LED's I need a circuit in front of everything to make it strobe. What is needed for such a circuit? I am in no way an electronics guy but I am taking this EDUCATION AND RECREATION thing to heart and am wanting to learn how I can build this circuit to allow for LED strobes.

If anyone has information on this type of circuit I am very interested in learning how to build it.

p.s. I have ordered Bob Nuckoll's book so I am hopeful I will learn a lot when I read it. In the meantime I am in the middle of building my wingtip lights now so I would appreciate any information anyone currently has on the construction of this strobe circuit.

Thanks,
Steve

also, that $18 power puck is for a generic one mentioned earlier. pros- its cheaper than the aero'lectric model. cons, could be rf noisy.

the aerolectric pucks are $46 each, so that is at least a $90 difference from teh basic resistor method. (oops, needed two pucks for the increased price)

this only applies to basic nav lights though, for a strobe you might need the pucks to make it operate at all. I don't know, i'm in the process of making nav lights. once i get those up and running i'll buy up some stuff to try strobes.

RVbySDI · #46 03-03-2009, 12:35 PM

Danny,
I will be interested to follow your progress. I am at the same point. I have the resistor, LED's, reflective plastic, adhesive that Pete mentioned for the nav lights. I am going to follow Pete's lead and build as he did for the nav lights.

I guess I will be learning about some of the needs for a strobe circuit and see what I can build on those next. I have ordered 10 Luxeon star LED's that I plan to use for strobe lights and the white tail position light. From what I have been reading so far I think I am going to order two of these BuckPuck Drivers and see what I can come up with.

I will try to keep you updated on my progress as I move along on this new learning experience.

RVbySDI · #47 03-03-2009, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xavierm

Here are a few links for LED flasher circuits.

http://wild-bohemian.com/electronics/flasher.html

Flip Flop / wig wag circuit

This one looks promising. http://picprojects.org.uk/projects/strobe/index.htm

xavier,
Thanks for the links. I agree the last link does look interesting. Now if I can source the necessary components. Then I will have to figure out how good my soldering skills are.

xavierm · #48 03-03-2009, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RVbySDI

xavier,
Thanks for the links. I agree the last link does look interesting. Now if I can source the necessary components. Then I will have to figure out how good my soldering skills are.

Perhaps Mouser.com. I wouldn't mind giving it a try myself. I'll add it to my "to do" list.

panheadmark · #49 03-08-2009, 06:14 PM

Pete, you should warn those that build these led light systems to put on sunglasses when they first fire 'em up! I'm still seeing spots......

Man these things are bright!

Mark
RV9A #91317
180hp Catto 3 blade

oh yeah........ I owe you a beer this summer... Summit EPA OK?

pczar3 · #50 03-08-2009, 06:30 PM

Hi Steve, I just wanted to warn you that the links show flashers for very small LED's. The current in any of those circuits is probably less than 20 ma. If you are looking at driving your other LED's you will be talking an amp or so. Just wanted to warn you before you let the "magic smoke" out of the components. All electronics runs on smoke, let the smoke out and it doesn't work any more! Yep I'm an Electronic Engineer during the day.

Paul
N694BP reserved
RV-6A VSB (very slow build)