LED Strobe Light Circuit using Arduino

First of all, strobe light is a light which blinks very fast.

It goes ON and OFF again and again, because of this it looks very attractive.

Nowadays, strobe lights are used at many places for example, party lights, emergency signals, warning lights and learning projects.

In this LED Strobe Light Circuit using Arduino, an Arduino board is used.

The Arduino controls the blinking speed and a transistor is used to drive the LED safely.

Also, a variable resistor is used which helps to change the blinking speed easily.

So, this project is very useful for beginners as it is simple and easy to understand.

Arduino Code:

int potPin = A0;
int ledPin = 12;
int potValue;
int delayTime;

void setup()
{
pinMode(ledPin, OUTPUT);
}

void loop()
{
potValue = analogRead(potPin);
delayTime = map(potValue, 0, 1023, 50, 1000);

digitalWrite(ledPin, HIGH);
delay(delayTime);

digitalWrite(ledPin, LOW);
delay(delayTime);
}

Code Explanation:

• First, potPin is set to A0.
• This reads VR1 value.
• Next, ledPin is set to D12.
• This controls the LED.
• Then analogRead reads VR voltage.
• It gives value from 0 to 1023.
• After that, map function converts value.
• It changes delay between 50ms and 1000ms.
• Then LED is turned ON and delay is applied.
• Next, LED is turned OFF and again delay is applied.
• This loop runs forever.
• So, strobe effect is created.

Circuit Working:

Parts List:

Circuit starts with Arduino gives power to the circuit.

Then VR1 creates a variable voltage and this voltage goes to Arduino analog pin A0.

Next, Arduino reads this voltage and after that the Arduino changes delay time.

Then Arduino sends a signal to pin D12 and this signal goes to the transistor base.

After that the transistor turns ON and so the current flows through LED and the LED glows.

Then the Arduino turns the pin OFF and the transistor turns OFF and the LED stops glowing.

This process repeats again and again and because of this strobe light effect is created.

Also, when VR1 is rotated blinking speed changes.

How to Build:

To build a LED Strobe Light Circuit using Arduino follow the below steps for connection:

• Gather all the parts as shown in circuit diagram.
• First, connect Arduino +5V pin to the top pin of VR1.
• Next, connect the bottom end of VR1 to GND.
• Then connect the center pin of VR1 to Arduino A0 pin.
• After that connect Arduino D12 pin to resistor R1 one end.
• And then connect the other end of R1 to the base of transistor Q1.
• Next, connect the emitter of transistor Q1 to GND.
• And connect the collector of transistor Q1 to the cathode of LED.
• And connect the anode of LED to resistor R2 one end.
• After that connect the other end of R2 to +5V.
• At last check all GND points are common.

Conclusion:

To conclude, this LED Strobe Light Circuit using Arduino is very simple.

It is easy to build as it uses few components.

Also it helps to learn Arduino programming which explains analog input and digital output clearly.

Furthermore, blinking speed control makes it interesting which the beginners can try this project easily.

Lastly this project is good for learning and fun.

References:

How to create a controllable and bright LED strobe light