Electronics Question

[natemoen]

So I am cheap and adventurous and want to try and build some led turn signals. Ever seen those scrolling led turn signals ambulances have? Like this

http://www.ilfireandpoliceequip.com/...gnal-p443.html

I can't afford $160 though for turn signals though.

So this is where I appeal to the collective mind here and ask, what sort of parts would I need to find to cause the individual rows to light up and stay lit one after the other until the whole array is lit and the process starts over. Also it needs to be done in the short amount of time that the flasher is sending power to the light.

I have some ideas how but don't know enough to be sure. If I figure out how to do this I would put it all on perf board.

[Lonerider62]

Check these guys out, I think they will have something you can use that will be pretty much a plugnplay thing. If you were to try and go out and buy all the LED's and controls individaually, it would cost much more and then it would drive you nut's getting everything to work propperly. I had a tail/brake/turn unit on my Speedmaster that I got from them and it worked like a champ. All I had to do was connect the bike's wires to the unit I got from them and wala. http://www.customdynamics.com/knight..._light_bar.htm

[81xsproject]

How many rows are you wanting to animate? You could go with multiple 555's in a series of CR circuits with each one powering the next. But, if you have more than a few stages, it would be a PITA. I am sure there is a much simpler solution, though.

[natemoen]

I was thinking at least 10 rows, maybe more depending on what that looks like and brightness. Some of the rows could be connected I guess, never thought of that.

Cost wise, leds with solder leeds and diodes, transistors, resistor are cheap. If I spent $50 to make 2 I would be surprised. Time and frustration that's free

[crazy steve]

This guy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irntF...feature=relmfu ...has done what I think you're trying to do, but if you look at his setup, he's got quite a bit of 'stuff' to do it...

He's got multiple videos showing different versions. I'm sure those commercial models you're looking at have purpose-built ICs for drivers which is why they cost what they do.

[DAVINCI]

Build it for $24

Here:

http://www.goldmine-elec-products.co...p?number=C6398

[natemoen]

Here:

http://www.goldmine-elec-products.co...p?number=C6398

Definitely something to look at!

This guy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irntF...feature=relmfu ...has done what I think you're trying to do, but if you look at his setup, he's got quite a bit of 'stuff' to do it...

He's got multiple videos showing different versions. I'm sure those commercial models you're looking at have purpose-built ICs for drivers which is why they cost what they do.

Seems like he is trying to make a super computer when all you want is something to run old 8" floppy disk.

[fredintoon]

It all adds up

Here:

http://www.goldmine-elec-products.co...p?number=C6398

Hi DAVINCI,
um, $24 only builds you one, so it's $48 for the two red arrows at the rear.
Or $96 if they make amber arrows for the front.