"All I Really Wanta Do..." --- Somebody Help!

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\"All I Really Wanta Do...\" --- Somebody Help!

I have arrived here only after many exhausting hours of futile searching on line for information. And no, I do not mean just today. I need "how to" instructions for wiring a set of LED eyes (flashing). Specifically, I want to put flashing LED eyes into various small Halloween props of mine, such as rats and spiders. I would like to accomplish this by using either a 9V battery or (2) AA batteries, and preferably with an on/off switch (although at this point I am so desperate for help I would welcome assistance in wiring the LED eyes without a switch). Here is my "problem" in a nutshell: I am finding TONS of information online. However, every single road leads to the assumption of the information-provider that I know MORE than I do. I am quite good at following a schematic, but I need to know SPECIFICALLY what parts to ask for at Radio Shack, preferably part numbers. I am really getting hysterical. How can something so simple be so hard to find instructions to do? Any of you reading this could probably wire these with both eyes closed and one hand tied behind your back. I would appreciate your help. Please share your knowledge with me on this topic. Thanks in advance. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/help.gif jararaca53
 
Re: \"All I Really Wanta Do...\" --- Somebody Help!

My suggestion is to try this question in the electronics forum here.

It sounds like it should not be too hard. 2 AA batts should drive red LEDs in parallel just fine. Some LEDs are available with blinking circuirty built-in. I do not think they would blink simultaneously, though. A flasher driver can be used for that. Everything you need should be available at Radio Shack. Maybe the salesman there can recommend the parts you need and give you some pointers on assembling.

It would be good if you had some experience soldering and with general safety considerations. AA batteries are not very dangerous, but solder in the eye is no joke.

Good luck.
 
Re: \"All I Really Wanta Do...\" --- Somebody Help!

Welcome to CPF!

You'll get your question answered. You came to the right place.
 
Re: \"All I Really Wanta Do...\" --- Somebody Help!

This looks like a simple solution using a 555 timer with a 9V battery. I'm sure I saw a couple of circuits on the web last year. Do a google search on 555 and timer, i'm sure you'll find something simple to fit your requirements.

Welcome to CPF

Edit: Try here : http://wolfstone.halloweenhost.com/HalloweenTech/anieye_LEDEyes.html


/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif
 
Re: \"All I Really Wanta Do...\" --- Somebody Help!

The easiest way to do it is buy self flashing LEDs from RS. Put *one* in series with the nine volt battery. Add a second (regular) LED in series as well for the second eye. Or you can even use two (same color, identical) LEDs for the eyes and hide the flasher. Stick with red or orange (which you would anyway no doubt).

Just hook everything (battery and LEDs) in a loop, plus of one to the minus of the next. Add a switch if you need to, but snapping the battery into the clip should work fine I would think.

Doug Owen
 
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