My uncle gave me an old stop light. How can I get it to light up? And possibly alternate between the colors?

Answer 1

Hmm... what is your uncle's name and where does he live? A few month ago someone got away with one of our stoplights.

Please specify what you have, rating and a wiring diagram would be nice.

If low voltage DC driven use a transistor (if you going to switch more then say 100ma) coupled with a 555 timer. You can also employ logic gates to make things really alternate.

Check the references and
Have fun.

Answer 2

To make this work is a very simple circuit, BUT electricity & wiring are INCREADIBLY dangerous to muck with if you don't know what you are doing. apart from getting shocked, you could cause a fire and kill yourself/others.

The bulb should be wired in "parrallel" not in "series" or they will glow only dimly.

All Lights take the "hot" power (usually the black wire) and send it through to the center of the bulb. (the little knob and the bottom of the bulb).

The neutral (white) finds its way to the ouside screw portion of the bulb, If you get this backward you can kill anyone who changes the light bulb.

Any switches must be place in line with the black wire, place in on the white wire and again you an kill someone.

You could potentialy have three switches one for each color, or one for all thee bulbs.

Youmust use the proper rating wire, switches and conection at all stages or you will cause a fire.

If you want the lights to work alternate, you will need relays instead of switches, and a microcicuit to power the relays. Youmight be able to use one of those batery operated bike lights with the flashing leds to power the relays.

AGAIN, this can be dangerouse, make sure you get qualified help.