is it possible to make a simple circuit to make 2 bulbs flash every few seconds automatically??

Question

i want one bulb to turn on and the other to turn off and then one to turn on while the other turns off automatically using stuff that i can build easily at home!! Any ideas??..

is it possible to make one at home ??
In simple language please!!!!

Answer 1

It is possible, and it is easy....But if you have to beg for simple language it may not be so easy for you. What is this for anyway?

I just though of something very simply involving a DPDT (Double throw double pole) DC coil relay, 2 resistors and a capacitor...You could build this with a soldering iron and some a few easily available parts. The "wiper" of 1 switch in the relay would connect to your power source for the bulbs, with each bulb connected to each of the other terminals and ground. You would then have he voltage that runs the coil going to the other wiper. One terminal on the other wiper would be ground, and the other would have a resistor connected in series, and then a resistor and capacitor both shunted to ground, and then a wire would connect that point to the actual coil of the relay while the other end of the coil was grounded.

By picking your capacitor and resistor values carefully, you could get any duty cycle you want. The relay would be in 1 state until it charged up, and in the other until it discharged....Each state would indicate 1 bulb was on but not the other.

In a real device, it would be more complicated because you would use transistors instead - much more reliable, space efficient, and energy efficient.

Answer 2

You can buy line voltage relays that have time delays built-in . You want a relay that is a single pole double throw type (center contact goes from one extreme to the other). Wire the two 120V bulbs in series across the 120V power line. Put the center contact of the relay on the point between the two bulbs where they are connected. Put one of the extreme contacts on the other side of the first bulb and the other extreme contact on the other side of the second bulb. Now when you turn it all on the relay will be shorting out the first bulb and the second will be on full strength. When the relay reverses the second bulb will be shorted out and the first will be full brightness. That way there is always one bulb that is off and the other on, with the ON one alternating. If the relay fails it will be obvious since both bulbs (in series) will be on half brightness. That is how they wire railroad safety blinkers so they can blink even if their control fails.

This is the easiest way and is a natural for home construction..

Answer 3

There is no "simple language" for it.
You either need
- a bi-metal strip contact, or
- a relay circuit with 2 electrolytic capacitors, or
- a semiconductor timer circuit.
... and in any of these cases, you also need a power supply to run the blinkin' circuitry.
Suggestion: Go to a shop that sells auto parts, and get a blinker relay. But you still need a 12V power supply (or battery.
If you want someone to design a "simple" circuit for you, then we need to know
- What light bulb ? (Voltage, Wattage)
- What power supply should all this run on (mains, or battery, what voltage)?

Answer 4

Ive seen that project once you have a bad , non working bulb , examine that each and one and all bulbs are working properly , if thats not the priority then you certainly would desire to have the wireing checked , stable luck .

Answer 5

yes you can. I think they may even have a circuit for that at radio shack (they sell these lil books there that has them) and im sure u can find the parts there as well

Answer 6

if you want a circuit with such configuration...you will need a circuit which has logic gates by using transistors, diodes, and other electronic devices and transistor circuits...you can also use an IC for switching purposes...hope i answered some of your questions...

Answer 7

yes this is possible by using timer ckts
the ic 555 is astable mode.

Answer 8

yes, ofcourse yes!!!