Simple electronics help

Ghoulish Delight · 12-14-2011, 05:25 PM

I have a small toy traffic light. Right now it's lit by 3 night-light sized blinker bulbs in series, one for each color. I'd like to modify it to actually mimic traffic light timing, rather than just the slow random blinking.

I figure an Arduino is the way to go. Programming the logic would be a no brainer, but I'm very very very unknowledgable when it comes to the wiring/resistering side of things. I've tried Googling for info, but everything is either too simple (i.e., sticking 3 tiny LEDs on a breadboard) or too complex (getting hold of a full size traffic light with all the parts and bits). I can't find anything for this in-between project.

Anyone have the kind of knowledge necessary to walk me through what I'd need to get an Arduino (probably a Duemilanove 328) to independently control 3 night lights (4watt/120v - or possibly 1watt/120v LED variety)?

BarTopDancer · 12-14-2011, 10:00 PM

I have no idea how to make it do what you want it to do but I want to know why you want to do it? Building T a race track in the living room? Prepare to qualify beep beep BEEEEP.

Cadaverous Pallor · 12-14-2011, 10:04 PM

It's for Theo's transportation themed birthday. The toddlers would flip their lids over a working traffic light.

Gn2Dlnd · 12-19-2011, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cadaverous Pallor

It's for Theo's transportation themed birthday.

Oh. The Event Of The Year.

12-14-2011, 05:25 PM	#1
Ghoulish Delight I Floop the Pig Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Alternative Swankstyle Posts: 19,348	Simple electronics help I have a small toy traffic light. Right now it's lit by 3 night-light sized blinker bulbs in series, one for each color. I'd like to modify it to actually mimic traffic light timing, rather than just the slow random blinking. I figure an Arduino is the way to go. Programming the logic would be a no brainer, but I'm very very very unknowledgable when it comes to the wiring/resistering side of things. I've tried Googling for info, but everything is either too simple (i.e., sticking 3 tiny LEDs on a breadboard) or too complex (getting hold of a full size traffic light with all the parts and bits). I can't find anything for this in-between project. Anyone have the kind of knowledge necessary to walk me through what I'd need to get an Arduino (probably a Duemilanove 328) to independently control 3 night lights (4watt/120v - or possibly 1watt/120v LED variety)? __________________ 'He who receives an idea from me, receives instruction himself without lessening mine; as he who lights his taper at mine, receives light without darkening me.' -TJ
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12-14-2011, 10:00 PM	#2
BarTopDancer Prepping... Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Here, there, everywhere Posts: 11,405	I have no idea how to make it do what you want it to do but I want to know why you want to do it? Building T a race track in the living room? Prepare to qualify beep beep BEEEEP. __________________ Spork is the new MacGyver Postcards From My Edge
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12-14-2011, 10:04 PM	#3
Cadaverous Pallor ohhhh baby Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Parental Bliss Posts: 12,364	It's for Theo's transportation themed birthday. The toddlers would flip their lids over a working traffic light. __________________ The second star to the right shines in the night for you
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