Sequential Brake/Turn Lights

Bar-mode LED-cluster sequencer
Can drive up to 16 clusters

Circuit diagram:

Sequential Brake/Turn Lights

Parts:

R1,R5

1K 1/4W Resistors

R2

33K 1/4W Resistor

R3

100K 1/2W Trimmer Cermet

R4

1M 1/4W Resistor

R6,R7,R8

10K 1/4W Resistors

R9

4K7 1/4W Resistor

R10

33R 1/4W Resistor (See Notes)

   

C1

1µF 63V Polyester Capacitor

C2

100nF 63V Polyester Capacitor

C3

470µF 25V Electrolytic Capacitor

   

D1

LED (Any dimension, shape or color)

D2,D3

1N4002 100V 1A Diodes

D4--D15

LEDs   High brightness, high efficiency red types (See Notes)

   

Q1

2N3819   General-purpose N-Channel FET

Q2

BC337   45V 800mA NPN Transistor

Q3

BC547   45V 100mA NPN Transistor

   

IC1

7555 or TS555CN CMos Timer IC

IC2,IC3

4094 8-stage shift-and-store bus register IC

   

SW1

SPST Brake/Turn Lights Switch

Comments:

This circuit, designed on request, allows up to 16 LED clusters illuminate in bar-mode sequence. LED sequencing will start when the Brake pedal is pressed (or Turn Lights are switched-on) and, when the last cluster illuminates, all LED clusters will remain steady on until the Brake pedal is released or Turn Lights are switched-off.

Notes:

  • R5 and D1 are optional: they could be of some utility in monitoring the sequence frequency set by means of R3.
  • Clusters can be formed by up to 12 LEDs as shown in the circuit diagram, right side. Common cluster types usually range from 5 to 10 LEDs.
  • Up to 16 of these cluster driver circuits, each formed by the LEDs, two transistors and three resistors can be built and connected to the progressively numbered outputs of IC2 (the first eight clusters) and IC3 (the remaining clusters).
  • If a number of clusters up to 8 is required, IC3 can be omitted.
  • Constant output current value for the LEDs can be changed by varying R10.
  • The formula is: R = 0.6/I (I expressed in Amperes).
  • Use high brightness, high efficiency red LED types of suitable size and change R10 value to suit LED's Absolute Maximum Ratings.
  • The main circuit, formed by the three ICs and related components is permanently wired to the supply (and D1 will flash) but its 12V positive supply can be wired after the main switch of the car, or an on/off switch can be added.

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