Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Brake Light Signal Module
Generates 4 short flashes, followed by a steady on light Can drive LED Arrays at currents up to 1 Amp
Circuits of this kind are intended to drive LED Arrays in order to create more visibility and conspicuity when a vehicle is stopped or stopping. This circuit, in particular, will emit a visual alerting signal of 4 short flashes, followed by a steady on light that remains steady on as long as the brakes are applied.
Circuit operation:
IC1 internal oscillator generates a square wave whose frequency is divided 64 times by the flip-flops contained in the chip in order to obtain about 1 to 4Hz at pin #4: this is the LED Array flashing frequency and can be set to the desired value by means of R3. A positive signal at D1 Cathode stops the oscillator after 5 pulses are counted. C2 and R1 automatically reset the IC whenever the brakes are applied. Q1 is the LED Array driver: LEDs will be on when pin #4 of IC1 goes low.
Circuit Diagram:
Brake Light Signal Module Circuit Diagram
Parts:
R1_____________10K 1/4W Resistor
R2____________220K 1/4W Resistor
R3____________500K 1/2W Trimmer, Cermet or Carbon
R4______________1K8 1/4W Resistor (See Note)
R5______________1K8 1/4W Resistor
C1_____________47µF 25V Electrolytic Capacitor
C2______________1µF 25V Electrolytic Capacitor
C3_____________10nF 63V Polyester Capacitor
D1___________1N4148 75V 150mA Diode
IC1____________4060 14 stage ripple counter and oscillator IC
Q1____________BC327 45V 800mA PNP Transistor (See Note)
SW1____________SPST Brake Switch
B1______________12V Vehicle Battery
Note:
- The transistor type suggested for Q1 will drive LED Arrays at currents up to 500mA. To drive Arrays requiring higher currents (up to 1A and even more) use a BD436 (32V 4A PNP Transistor) for Q1 and a 1K resistor for R4.
Source :www.redcircuits.com
Monday, September 23, 2013
TV Relative Signal Strength Meter
This circuit was designed to assist the installation of TV antennas. The signal is monitored using a small portable TV set and this circuit monitors the output of the TVs FM detector IC via a shielded lead. To initially calibrate the meter, adjust trimpot VR2 to zero the meter. Trimpot VR1 is a sensitivity control and can be set for a preset reading (ie, 0dB) or can be calibrated in millivolts. Rotating the antenna for a minimum reading on the meter (indicating FM quieting) gives the optimum orientation for the antenna.
Circuit diagram:
TV Relative Signal Strength Meter Circuit Diagram
Author: Ted Sherman Copyright: Silicon Chip Electronics
Saturday, August 31, 2013
Signal Tracer and Injector
Signal Tracer and Injector Circuit diagram
When the switch is thrown the opposite way (to the blue dot) both transistors are wired as an astable square wave generator. This provides enough harmonics from audio up to several hundred kilohertz and is useful for testing AM radio Receivers.
