Simple Flashing Beacon Light Circuit

This guide shows how to build a Simple Flashing Beacon Light Circuit which does requires few parts like:

• Power like battery.
• Timer like small computer chip.
• Light like LED or tiny bulb.

Timer instructs the light when to ON and OFF fast so it look like blinking.

This circuit used for decoration, warning light or just for fun playing!

Circuit Working:

Parts List:

Ensure to verify the power ratings of your resistors to ensure they can handle the expected power dissipation without overheating or damage.

A flashing beacon light circuit offers versatile utility serving as a distress signal on highways or a directional guide in various settings such as parking lots, hospitals and hotels.

In this presentation, we introduce a flashing beacon design utilizing the well established LM317 regulator IC.

Capable of delivering over 1 ampere the LM317 regulator powers a small high quality 12V, 10W bulb with an effective reflector ensuring prominent visibility.

To operate, a 12 to 15V, 1 ampere DC power supply is connected to the ICs input pin.

An aluminum heat sink is affixed to the IC to manage heat dissipation during maximum current delivery.

With the specified resistor and capacitor values, the bulb flashes at an approximate rate of 4 cycles per second, with the frequency dependent on the capacitors charge discharge time.

Adjustments to resistor and capacitor values enable customization of the flashing beacons flash frequency to suit specific requirements.

Formulas:

While making circuit for flashing beacon light one needs to connect light like 12V bulb, so it turn ON and OFF again and again in regular time.

One can make simple flashing beacon using parts from circuit diagram before and LM317 voltage regulator chip.

Here is formula we need for making circuit:

Timing Period Calculation:

Time for light to turn ON /OFF (we call it period T) is set by RC time constant.

This time come from how resistor and capacitor work together with LM317.

We can imagine or calculate the time period T for blinking using this simple formula for astable circuit with LM317:

T = 1.1 × R × C

where,

To make light blink how you want, choose voltage for lamp (VL) and capacitor voltage (VC).

Example: You want bulb blink every 2 seconds.

Let’s say you use capacitor C = 10µF (that is 0.00001 F)

Then use formula:

R = T​ / 1.1 × C = 2​ / 1.1 × 0.00001 = 18.18k

To make close to that, you can join three 10k resistors in series.

If want more accurate blink time, change resistor value a little.

By using these simple steps and parts you already have, you can build working flashing beacon light.

Just adjust resistor and capacitor value until timing and blinking work how one needs.

How to Build:

To build a Simple Flashing Beacon Light Circuit follow the below mentioned simple steps for connections:

Get Parts Ready:

• Take all needed parts. Check if they work good.

Fix IC with Heat Sink:

• Put LM317 regulator IC on aluminum heat sink.
• Use heat paste so heat go out better.

Build Circuit:

• Put all parts on breadboard or PCB same like in diagram.
• Resistor and capacitor values decide how fast bulb will blink.

Add Power Supply:

• Give 12 to 15V DC power (1 amp) to input pin of LM317.
• Be careful with plus and minus (polarity).

Test the Circuit:

• Turn ON power and see if bulb blink.
• If blinking is not correct change resistor or capacitor to fix time.

Hold Parts in Place:

• If circuit work good fix all parts tight on board so they do not move.

Put in Box (Optional):

• If want one can put circuit inside small box to keep it safe from dust or water.

Final Test:

• Check again to be sure flashing beacon work good and regular.

Note:

• Follow all steps careful.
• Be safe when using electricity and solder tools.
• This way one can construct its own flashing beacon with LM317 and simple parts.

Conclusion:

Flashing beacon light circuit is used in many places like on emergency cars, warning signs, road help and also for decoration.

It give strong blinking light that people can see easily even from far away.

It catch eye fast and show signal clear.

References:

The Beacon Light