Wig Wags

[Motogiro]

Here's a wig wag circuit I made for one of our members (crazy dave) who is a member of a volunteer fire department. He will use this assembly to power 2 blue lights he plans to mount in his fairing pods.

This a very easy and economical way to wig wag. :thumbup:

:Flash:Thank you Dave for you service to the community....and roll safe!!:Flash:

It uses an electronic flasher relay and double pole double throw relay. You only need a single pole relay for this but I use both sets of contacts electromechanical redundancy as well as twice the current carrying ability.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRLt1rOXl3c]Canon 015.avi - YouTube[/ame]

 

[red_rock_beetle]

cool! that'd look great on a bike, it might even get the attention of some cagers

 

[Motogiro]

cool! that'd look great on a bike, it might even get the attention of some cagers

Hopefully it will. It will probably have the blue lights and it wig wags as an an emergency vehicle would. You don't want to have a leo see your lights doing that and your not an emergency response vehicle.

 

[Sawblade]

Alternating lights are illegal for civ use, no grey area like with modulators.

I had them installed on my truck when I was a volunteer.

 

[Motogiro]

Alternating lights are illegal for civ use, no grey area like with modulators.

I had them installed on my truck when I was a volunteer.

I don't know what the law is for each state and municipality. I imagine it might vary?

 

[CCHOUSEKY]

It uses an electronic flasher relay and double pole double throw relay. You only need a single pole relay for this but I use both sets of contacts electromechanical redundancy as well as twice the current carrying ability.

^^^ What you said...

--> What I heard..."blah, blah, blah, flasher relay, blah, blah, blah, contacts, blah, blah, blah...

LMAO! Man, I really know nothing about electrical things (although you taught me a bit in my HID thread). That being said, this is really cool and good on ya for helping crazy dave out! :thumbup:

 

[jrevans]

Small world.

I just made an alternating flashing circuit last week too. I was too cheap to buy an electronic flasher, so I whipped up a good ole 555 timer circuit from parts in my basement.

Actually, I am making two of these circuits. One to directly drive some big red LEDs for my son's miniature railroad crossing signal in his bedroom. The other drives a relay to flash 12V bulbs in my life size, actual railroad crossing signal that I put together.

 

[Motogiro]

Small world.

I just made an alternating flashing circuit last week too. I was too cheap to buy an electronic flasher, so I whipped up a good ole 555 timer circuit from parts in my basement.

Actually, I am making two of these circuits. One to directly drive some big red LEDs for my son's miniature railroad crossing signal in his bedroom. The other drives a relay to flash 12V bulbs in my life size, actual railroad crossing signal that I put together.

Very cool! I've done a couple of 555/556 timer builds for specific motor controls in manufacturing facilities I've worked in.
I've found very reasonable flasher relays($8.95) here: Super Bright LEDs - Electronic LED Flashers Specifications

Nothing beats bread boarding though!

 

[mave2911]

Not wanting to hijack, but this is sorta on the same lines.

Where I work, we must have a revolving amber light on our vehicle.

Unfortunately, the off-road nature of the site plays havoc with the mechanical ones. (the gears get caught and blow fuses - constantly)

As such, I looked into using an LED light, but they are prohibitively expensive.

So, here's my idea.

Make a circuit of multiple strings of LED 'chasers' run in parallel, to fit inside the existing lens. (about the diameter of a soda can)

I am moderately skilled with electronics, from a home, hobbyists perspective.

So, what say you?

The circuit would have to be 12v, to utilise the existing wiring (cigarette lighter plug/switch), and if I made one LED chaser and ran, say, 5 in parallel with the same trigger (possibly need a relay?) then the lights would be in sync and the effect would be complete!

Am I overthinking this? Is there an easier way?

Cheers,
Rick

 

[Motogiro]

Not wanting to hijack, but this is sorta on the same lines.

Where I work, we must have a revolving amber light on our vehicle.

Unfortunately, the off-road nature of the site plays havoc with the mechanical ones. (the gears get causght and blow fuses - constantly)

As such, I looked into using an LED light, but they are prohibitively expensive.

So, here's my idea.

Make a circuit of multiple strings of LED 'chasers' run in parallel, to fit inside the existing lens. (about the diameter of a soda can)

I am moderately skilled with electronics, from a home, hobbyists perspective.

So, what say you?

The circuit would have to be 12v, to utilise the existing wiring (cigarette lighter plug/switch), and if I made one LED chaser and ran, say, 5 in parallel with the same trigger (possibly need a relay?) then the lights would be in sync and the effect would be complete!

Am I overthinking this? Is there an easier way?

Cheers,
Rick

Sounds like it would be a fun project and I'll bet there's an IC just for that application. I'll be out of commission for a a day or so, so ping me to remind me if I don't find something by tonight..

 

[Red Wazp]

Wig wags, huh? Cliff, I thought this topic would be about you wearing a wig under the wag.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-...AAAAAAAAWE/B8Ls_4C8lz4/s351/Canon%2520002.jpg

 

[Motogiro]

Wig wags, huh? Cliff, I thought this topic would be about you wearing a wig under the wag.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-...AAAAAAAAWE/B8Ls_4C8lz4/s351/Canon%2520002.jpg

I don't need no stinkin wig man!
I swear my wife is still pissed at what I did to her sweater! :rof:

 

[mave2911]

Any more thought on my project Motogiro?

Cheers,
Rick