DIY Sequential Taillights for approx $20

[pkauf]

Originally Posted by whitedemon

ok peeps.... we tried 2 nights in a row for hours trying to make the transistor circuit we built work. It would either not fire or when we got it to fire the bulb it would over heat or over heat the timer. We went back to the basic relay circuit that worked and did some research. come to find out radio shack sells a tlc555 timer which is low power and a high power timer which is the one rated at 200 ma. We crunched some numbers and found even at 15v the relay only draws like 160 ma. So after re inspecting the original circuit we found that we accidently bought lower power timers the first time and thats why they burned up. Last night I installed the high power 200 ma timer in the original circuit and ran the brake lights for 1-2 min solid and blinkers for 3-4 mins, then checked my circuit and found no heat on the timer or components. I think its going to work now so im going today to buy another high power timer and hook up the right side again and I will test it out this weekend and ill post results monday. Yes relays are not as nice and quiet as transistors and mosfets but they are a hell of alot easier to work with lol.

Wow, great find!!! Thanks for the update, looking forward to the rest of your results. Did you see the suggestion for the relays from 67ss350camaro? Just curious if maybe the relays make a difference also? I'm not an EE, i'm a computer guy . . . Wondering if both changes might help.

[whitedemon]

Originally Posted by pkauf

Wow, great find!!! Thanks for the update, looking forward to the rest of your results. Did you see the suggestion for the relays from 67ss350camaro? Just curious if maybe the relays make a difference also? I'm not an EE, i'm a computer guy . . . Wondering if both changes might help.

well im already like 60 bucks into this thing because of experimenting lol. If changing just the timer gets it then ill stick with my relays I have.

[pkauf]

Originally Posted by whitedemon

well im already like 60 bucks into this thing because of experimenting lol. If changing just the timer gets it then ill stick with my relays I have.

Nahh, i wasn't saying "Please go do this" just curious on your opinion on it . . .

Thanks again for all the work, and posting the info. Really helps the rest of us!!!

[whitedemon]

Originally Posted by pkauf

Nahh, i wasn't saying "Please go do this" just curious on your opinion on it . . .

Thanks again for all the work, and posting the info. Really helps the rest of us!!!

[2011*Camaro*SS]

tag

[67ss350camaro]

The timer I picked out is better then what you will find at radio shack.
555 timer - 296-9684-5-ND.
This one is good for voltages up to 18V while the parts at radio shack are only good to 15V. The temp range is better on the part I picked out also. A standard part is only good for 0 - 70 C, while the one I picked out is good for -55 to 125 C.

[pkauf]

Originally Posted by 67ss350camaro

The timer I picked out is better then what you will find at radio shack.
555 timer - 296-9684-5-ND.
This one is good for voltages up to 18V while the parts at radio shack are only good to 15V. The temp range is better on the part I picked out also. A standard part is only good for 0 - 70 C, while the one I picked out is good for -55 to 125 C.

I assume the relays you picked out also are better? Could you also (if its not too much trouble) list out DIGIKEY parts for the other things needed (resistors, pot, etc)? It would really help us who are comfortable with the assembly, but maybe not exactly sure of all the specifics in picking out quality electronic parts!!

Thanks

Paul

[67ss350camaro]

Originally Posted by pkauf

I assume the relays you picked out also are better? Could you also (if its not too much trouble) list out DIGIKEY parts for the other things needed (resistors, pot, etc)? It would really help us who are comfortable with the assembly, but maybe not exactly sure of all the specifics in picking out quality electronic parts!!

Thanks

Paul

I don't know exactly what relay was used on the first one, but the one I picked out will handle the voltage swings and the contacts are rated to 10A.


The other parts are not as critical, but I do have a list of digikey parts:
1N4001 - 641-1310-1-ND
10uF - P5148-ND
100K pot - D4AA15-ND
And again the other parts:
555 - 296-21753-5-ND
Relay - 255-2223-ND


Cost wise, it is not much in parts. I am thinking of laying out a board, but that gets pricey unless I sell some.

[pkauf]

Originally Posted by 67ss350camaro

I don't know exactly what relay was used on the first one, but the one I picked out will handle the voltage swings and the contacts are rated to 10A.


The other parts are not as critical, but I do have a list of digikey parts:
1N4001 - 641-1310-1-ND
10uF - P5148-ND
100K pot - D4AA15-ND
And again the other parts:
555 - 296-21753-5-ND
Relay - 255-2223-ND


Cost wise, it is not much in parts. I am thinking of laying out a board, but that gets pricey unless I sell some.

Wow, thanks so much - this is PERFECT. I'll probably just breadboard it with jumpers, and put them each in a small project box to protect from the elements. Thanks Again!!!

Paul

[Cruuzin LV]

Has anyone bought the $100 kit and then reverse engineered it? Just curious. Glad you guys may have found a solution. I like sequential lights but didn't feel it was worth 100bucks.

[whitedemon]

Originally Posted by 67ss350camaro

The timer I picked out is better then what you will find at radio shack.
555 timer - 296-9684-5-ND.
This one is good for voltages up to 18V while the parts at radio shack are only good to 15V. The temp range is better on the part I picked out also. A standard part is only good for 0 - 70 C, while the one I picked out is good for -55 to 125 C.

actually the one i bought at radio shack is rated 18v and 200ma which is all i need and is local, dont have to wait for a shipment.

[whitedemon]

Originally Posted by 67ss350camaro

I don't know exactly what relay was used on the first one, but the one I picked out will handle the voltage swings and the contacts are rated to 10A.

The relay I used is a basic GM relay used for fuel pumps and ext. They withstand a 20a pump circuit and all automotive voltage swings

[bryan2634]

can someone help me how to wire the relay?

[pkauf]

Yeah, now looking at the diagrams, not exactly sure what pins go to what . . .