A flashing LED can be implemented and used in several ways, which determines its further field of application. Circuits can consist of several diodes, transistors, connect to different power sources, even to batteries, blink in different ways. You can assemble most of them with your own hands, but sometimes you need to adjust the theoretical basis.
One of the simplest ways to implement blinking LED lights can successfully simulate car alarm. For a premium car, this is not very relevant, but for less elite vehicles, the total cost of which does not pay off the installation of an expensive warning system, such a scheme will be just right. In this case, a flasher on LEDs will be the best option.
Flashing LED as signaling
Buy a blinking diode for a car - to save yourself from painstaking sitting over processing the board. This is not always true, but it is very suitable in this case. It is important to understand why the LED is flashing.
In appearance, such a blinking indicator cannot be distinguished from an ordinary LED, which is constantly on. When voltage is applied, it starts flashing a couple of times per second. Having a multimeter will also help distinguish semiconductor devices. In the forward direction, the flashing diode shows little resistance, and in the opposite direction, an LED with the usual voltage drop.
A little about the blinking LEDs themselves
The LED blinking is based on a small chip, which consists of a high-frequency master oscillator. The latter works in conjunction with a divider on logical elements, making it possible to obtain, instead of high frequency values, the required 1-3 Hz.
To realize a low frequency generator, it is necessary to use a large capacitor. Having decided to assemble the circuit with your own hands, it would be very problematic to use a semiconductor with a large area. Why - it just won't fit in the LED case.
Not only a generator and a divider are placed on the semiconductor footboard, but also an electronic key and a protector diode. Flashing LEDs with a supply voltage of 3-12V are also equipped with a limiting resistor, and a low-voltage one is not required.
The main purpose of the protector diode is to prevent the breakdown of the microcircuit in the event of a reversal of its power supply.
When supplying voltage to the automobile network, the value of the current-limiting resistor should be selected from the range of 3-5kOhm. By connecting the LED with your own hands, you can note that it consumes current not only when flickering, but also in the grooves.
DIY alarm assembly
Having decided on how the flashing LEDs are arranged, how they work, and why they flash, you can proceed directly to the installation.
For assembly, you will need 2 small diameter flexible stranded wires. It is preferable to choose cables of different colors in order to be able to distinguish them when connected to car wiring.
With the resistor and both wires secured, you can place the circuit in a thick plastic tube. The final stage of installing the alarm with your own hands is connecting the wires to the "+" and "-" of the car's power supply circuit. If everything blinks as it should, the flashing light on the LEDs can be considered successful.
DIY assembly of circuits based on LEDs is very popular among motorists. Why? Diodes provide tremendous tuning opportunities. Replacement of any lighting, interior lighting and much more.
