LED Flicker circuit

Dec 10, 2005 5 Replies

Hello! I'm working on an art project that I wish to illuminate with 26 white LED's and have a simulated flickering candle. I found Bob Bowden's web page of Hobby circuits and the diagram/description of the "line powered white LED's" with how to use 25 LED's and how to add more or less...seems pretty straight forward. But as I'm not a circuit designer, I'd like to ask for some help with the candle flame flicker circuit. My project is a 26 point star that I want to be illuminated by the white LED's from the points toward the center, at the center will be a candle with the simulated flame. I like the idea of the line powered LED's...don't have to mess with a heavy transformer and the wires should be pretty easy to hide along the frame of the star. I have been kicking this project around in my head for a while and have decided that it time to complete it. Any help/suggestions are greatly appreciated.



Greg



Hi,

Here is what I did with a PIC and a small lamp....

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Luhan

Hey Thanks! I found the Nuts and Volts article at parallax.com. This is what I'm looking for but I don't know about microprocessers and stamp modules...this is a very interesting possibilty though....The PIC has potential too. but I would like to adapt it to LED's and really don't know hao to do that or programming the PIC. Is there any possibility of a lower tech solution? I'll keep on looking!

Thanks again!

Greg

The Oct '05 issue of Nuts & Volts had a short article on using LEDs to simulate flickering candle flames. Check their website for some info, although they don't have the text of back issues on-line. Maybe your local library? The project described in the column isn't line powered but you might be able to adapt some of the ideas.

Rich Webb Norfolk, VA

What size are we talking here Greg? You can buy those candle-shaped light globes that run on mains power with a simulated flame already inside it. Should be able to get it from a local lighting specialist.

Jason.

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