This circuit has been designed to provide a clearly visible light, formed by 13 high efficiency flashing LEDs arranged in a pseudo-rotating order. Due to low voltage, low drain battery operation and small size, the device is suitable for mounting on bicycles as a back light, or to put on by jogger/walkers. IC1 is a CMos version of the 555 IC wired as an astable multivibrator generating a 50% duty-cycle square wave at about 4Hz frequency.
At 3V supply, 555 output (pin 3) sinking current operation is far better than sourcing, then LEDs D1-D6 are connected to the positive supply rail. In order to obtain an alternate flashing operation, a second 555 IC is provided, acting as a trigger plus inverter and driving LEDs D7-D12. D13 is permanently on. The LEDs are arranged in a two series display as shown below, with a center LED permanently on. This arrangement and the alternate flashing of the two series of LEDs provide a pseudo-rotating appearance.
Circuit diagram: Parts:- R1 = 10K
- R2 = 100K
- R3 = 10R
- R4 = 10R
- R5 = 10R
- R6 = 10R
- R7 = 10R
- R8 = 10R
- R9 = 100K
- R10 = 100K
- R11 = 10R
- R16 = 10R
- R17 = 150R
- C1 = 1µF-63V
- C2 = 10nF-63V
- C3 = 100µF-25V
- B1 = 3V Battery (2 AA 1.5V Cells in series)
- SW1 = SPST Slider Switch
- D1-D13 = Red LEDs 5mm. or bigger, high efficiency
- IC1-IC2 = 7555 or TS555CN CMos Timer IC
- Flashing frequency can be varied changing C1 value.
- High efficiency LEDs are essential.