I have a model airplane application in which an LED is driven directly from a PIC16F628A. The LED flashes about 1 to 2X per second only when it is safe to launch the sailplane.
The problem is that in bright sunlight, it is difficult to see whether the LED is flashing, because sunlight scatter off the lens is too bright. The work-around is simply to shade it with one's hand, but that is not always practical for someone who is about to launch a sailplane from several feet away. A permanent shade might work, but adjusting it so everyone involved in a launch can see the flashing LED might be tricky. A wide angle of view is needed.
I am looking for recommendations for other low-current signaling devices that might work. I've thought about a rotating drum or disk. Does anyone know of LED, liquid crystal variants, or other devices that might be more easily seen in in bright sunlight?
Thank you. John
The problem is that in bright sunlight, it is difficult to see whether the LED is flashing, because sunlight scatter off the lens is too bright. The work-around is simply to shade it with one's hand, but that is not always practical for someone who is about to launch a sailplane from several feet away. A permanent shade might work, but adjusting it so everyone involved in a launch can see the flashing LED might be tricky. A wide angle of view is needed.
I am looking for recommendations for other low-current signaling devices that might work. I've thought about a rotating drum or disk. Does anyone know of LED, liquid crystal variants, or other devices that might be more easily seen in in bright sunlight?
Thank you. John