A simple motorbike LED turn signal indicator circuit adds a flashing with chasing effects on the LEDs in place of the conventional incandescent bulbs in the turn signal system.
In this circuit IC 555 is integrated circuit acts as an oscillator, generating the flashing signal.
Circuit Working:
Parts List:
| Category | Description | Quantity | Wattage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resistors | 390Ω | 5 | 1/4 watt |
| 10k | 5 | 1/4 watt | |
| 4.7k | 3 | 1/4 watt | |
| Capacitors | Electrolytic 100μF 25V | 2 | |
| Semiconductors | IC 555 | 1 | |
| Transistors | BC547 | 5 | |
| LEDs | Orange 5mm 20mA | 10 | |
| Diodes | 1N4148 | 2 |
This circuit is a basic motorbike LED turn signal indicator circuit.
To generate a flashing signal an astable multivibrator, such as an IC 555 integrated circuit is utilized.
Below is how the circuit works:
The motorcycles battery or another 12V source provides electricity to the circuit.
The circuits essential component is the 555 IC1, since it is set up as an astable multivibrator it may provide a continuous rectangular output pulse without the need for an outside trigger signal.
The frequency of the oscillation is controlled by the capacitor C2 and timing resistor R12.
The first time the power is switched on, C2 begins to charge via R12.
The 555 IC output pin 3 drops low Logic 0 as the voltage across C1 increases.
When C2 reaches its maximum charge, the timers output changes to high logic 1.
As a result, C2 discharges via R12 lowering the voltage once again.
The timers output flips back to low when the voltage across C2 reaches a certain point.
The output pins consistent frequency of high and low switches as a result of this cycle, which keeps repeating sets the turn signals flashing rate.
The current flowing to the LED turn signals is managed by transistors T1 to T5, which function as electronic switches.
Transistors T1 to T5 are arranged to conduct in a sequential manner enabling current to move to through all the ten LEDs creating a running LED turn signal effects.
The purpose of diodes D1 and D2 is to shield the transistors from sudden voltage spikes.
R1 to R13 resistors control the voltage levels at various places in the circuit and limit the flow of current in different areas.
Formulas:
Using the IC 555 we can develop an astable multivibrator circuit for a motorbike LED turn signal indication by constructing a circuit that alternates at a set frequency between two states (for left and right signals).
The circuits and the necessary formula is as follows:
Formula for Frequency (f):
The settings of the resistor R and capacitor C define the oscillation frequency (f) in the astable mode of the IC 555.
f = 1.44 / (R1 + 2R2) *C
where,
- Resistors R1 and R2 are attached to the IC 555.
- C stands for timing capacitor.
The output waveforms duty cycle D which expresses the proportion of the outputs high ON to low OFF times, is as follows:
D = R2 / R1 + 2R2
To have your motorbike turn signal indicator circuit flashing at the right pace, adjust these numbers as needed.
How to Build:
To build a Simple Motorcycle LED Turn Signal Indicator Circuit follow the below mentioned steps for connections:
- Gather all the components as mentioned in the above diagram
- Connect pin 1 of IC 555 to ground.
- Connect pin 2 to pin 6 of IC 555 also connect a C2 capacitor to ground through pin 2 and 6 of IC 555.
- Connect pin 3 of IC 555 to ground through resistor R11 and capacitor C1.
- Connect pin 4 of IC 555 to positive supply of 12V.
- Connect R13 resistor between pin 6 and pin 7 of IC 555.
- Connect pin 7 of IC 555 to positive supply through resistor R12.
- Connect pin 8 to positive supply of 12V.
- Connect resistors R1 to R5 and LED1 to LED5 and LED 6 to LED10 in sequence through collector of transistors T1 to T5.
- Connect emitter of transistor T1 to ground through diode D1, connect emitter of transistor T2 to T5 through resistors R6 to R10 to pin 3 output of IC 555.
Safety Measures:
- Make sure the resistors you use for your LEDs are the right ones.
- The LEDs may become damaged or stop working if the resistor value is chosen incorrectly.
Before turning the circuit on, make sure all of your connections are secure. - Errors might lead to component damage, due to its simplicity this circuit might not work with every motorbike turn signal system.
- It is advised that you have this circuit installed on your motorbike by a trained electrician or technician.
Conclusion
An alternative to conventional incandescent turn signals that is brighter, more resilient and requires less electricity is a simple motorcycle LED turn signal indicator circuit.
While providing a number of benefits a successful and secure update requires careful consideration of compatibility, installation and the most likely requirement for an LED compatible flasher relay.