strobe lights

[dusty IV]

I ran a search for strobe lights( flash) off a disposable camera but couldn't find anything. I took a disposable camera apart and the flash is pretty neat. Very light and small.

However I can't find an easy way to trigger this thing to repeat, like with a 555. Anybody figure this out? :confused:

[jeffs555]

http://www.geocities.com/lemagicien_2000/elecpage/maxflash/maxflash.html

[dusty IV]

http://www.geocities.com/lemagicien_2000/elecpage/maxflash/maxflash.html

Thanks Jeffs, I was trying to avoid the HV section. I tried the neon thingey but I see he has several improvements over my rather primitive method.

I was hoping for a low voltage control system. Maybe it can't be done. :mad: Drat

[Chamkeeper]

I've been thinking about this too. I have seen LEDs, overdriven in very short bursts, put out a big flash. I have not seen this tried with the newer 'high output' LEDs. I am thinking of getting a high output white LED and hammering it with high amperage short burst and seeing what is capable and what is long duration usage. I'll keep you posted.

[Mr.RC-CAM]

I was hoping for a low voltage control system. Maybe it can't be done.
Use an optoisolator based solution on your 555 timer.


I have not seen this tried with the newer 'high output' LEDs.
Some of the newest camera equipped cell phones use high lumen LEDs for the flash. It takes several LEDs, very short duty and high currents, to make them bright enough for this app.

RC-CAM

[Tom in Cincy]

I was playing with xenon strobes a few weeks ago. I got them to flash very fast, and bright enough to easily be seen in full sun. I hooked up the strobe to fire whenever I fired my Sonic combat module. The strobe was mounted in the cowl of my GWS Zero warbird. The only problem was I had no control of the plane whenever the strobe was firing. The electrical noise created by the flashing/switching circuit was so great it blanked out the receiver. Although I have put the project on the back burner I plan on trying to reduce the noise interference to an acceptable level.

Here is a link for the flash board http://www.goldmine-elec-products.com/prodinfo.asp?number=G14799&variation=&aitem=29&mitem=173

I used this power supply board to run my flasher
http://www.goldmine-elec-products.com/prodinfo.asp?number=G12866&variation=&aitem=21&mitem=103


To get the flash rate faster reduce the value of the Photo capacitor to under 10 uf.

There is a simple mod to get it to autoflash. You use a sidac that breaks down @ 260 volts. I don't have the part # with me but they are available from DigiKey for about a $1.

If you are still interested I will post more info.

Tom

[jswayze]

I'm using the high-brightness white LEDs for strobes on one of my planes. I hit it with about 80-100 mA for 1/10 of a second or so and it looks very good. You can see it quite well in sunlight, but it's nowhere near the output of a real strobe bulb.

Jeff

[MAVA]

Not to Rain on your Parade...

I have been there and done that with LEDs, but one of the things is you still have deal with battery.

I have seen lights go off in flight and you know what happens next.

I have not tried this, This a sure way of doing the same thing.

Get some thin walled clear PVC tubing and glue it along your model.
Get some chemical light sticks, and crack them.
Cut open the light stick and suck-out the fluid with a large syringe.
Inject the fluid in the tubing.

You got your self a cheap realiable method for doing night flying, light sticks last for 6hr to 8hr.

I am iching to try this.

Martin

[Malc C]

So how do you make that stuff flash like a strobe then Martin :) :)

[rance]

Martin,

Maybe run IV tubing around the perimeter of your fuse, tail. Then put a small pump of some kind and circulate the fluid from the light stick around the tubing. I'm sure it would need an expansion chamber or something to fill it up. Send pics if you try this.

Rance

[MAVA]

Now your thinking on the pump......

I Have lots of little pumps I use in my instruments at work.

Could inject several colors of glow stick liquid into the tubing and circulate it around....

-- No flashing allowed --- :) :)

Martin

[simingx]

How about some EL wire? :D

[MAVA]

Umm The battery thing again.. if you lose power then what.....no second chances... :cool:

Martin

[rcelectronics]

Having done a bit with LEDs and such on planes, battery running out is generally not that big a deal, I have never had an issue with it...



Umm The battery thing again.. if you lose power then what.....no second chances... :cool:

Martin