Depending on location/access, constant current drivers are available. The ones with serial input & latches are best for complex patterns. The ST series of STPxxCxx05 are just great.
From there, it's a matter of uC & swre to make it behave the way you want. I attached (sorry 'bout size) a pict of my hotrods' embedded set in the saddlebags. The octagonal ring has 2 strings of red LEDs.
Each are on at ~50% (PWM) for running lights, but go 100% & inner/outer counter rotate for braking. The turn signal is a 10 step sequencing yellow arrow, which has to timeshare with the brake sequencing... making the turn signal w/braking Really "flashy".
I'll share the code (it's Really Simple), but unless you write HC908QY Freescale, you'll be better off brewing your own.
A much simpler approach is straight forward to do (have several) using the LM3914, a venerable driver. As the 555 is to timing... this is to dot/bar LED driving. I have these on a few K bikes (besides mine).
A little diode/power steering allows running illumination be separate from braking. Mine has ~50% bright for running, then shuts off for an instant (<10mS) and "opens" like a curtain at full bright for brake.
It's all fun to play with... <<<)))
Cool, but the stuff you are talking about is not for newbies ..... i called those advanced led projects
but yeah, i will love to dig in to them later when i am confrotable doing my simple running/stop tailight scheme, no offense to your stuff, but i think i cannot tackle those at this time because of the scale/complexity of the project, but if you dont mind for now i want to try the simple stuff, running and stop brightness
no complicated moving, scrolling flashing sequences, i mean those are super eye catching but, you need to make a more complicated driver
to do those functions, do you have some simple stuff you have made, maybe the 1st projects you have done on the led tailight arena ?
so what about your choice of led's i have seen some piranhas high flux , and also
these ones
**broken link removed**
also somebody posted over here on another thread this chip
https://www.electro-tech-online.com/custompdfs/2011/09/6264.pdf
i think that will simplify a lot the circuit for people that are not xperts on building complex circuits
what you think ?
Rolo.
Last edited: