Gadget Freak Case #137: Attention-Grabbing 'Blue Light Special'
Design News Staff -- Design News, March 16, 2009
William Grill wanted to draw attention to a trade show booth. He considered a big neon sign, loud music and a provocative attitude, but instead he created this attention-getting gadget — his "Blue Light Special." Grill made this gadget with a mere $15 in materials. It is built around Microchip Technologies' 16F505 controller. The application uses a single button to set off two rotating arrays of eight LEDs. Using PVC or metal tubing, the beacon can be mounted on almost anything. For packaging, Grill uses a small pickle jar.
| Amt | Part Description |
Allied Part # |
| 1 | 2.7K Ω ¼W, 1/8W SMD or Axial | 832-0421 |
| 1 | 270Ω ¼W, 1/8W SMD or Axial | 832-0263 |
| 1 | Controller, PDIP or SMD Equivalent, PIC 12F505-I/P, PDIP | 383-0386 |
| 2 | SPST Button, Red or Black Momentary N.O. or Equivalent | 948-7199 |
| 2 | Perf Board, Copper Pad 1 or Both Sides or Equivalent | 977-0088 |
| LEDs, 5mm, White, round, clear | ||
| Wall power - 9-12 VDC, 5W to 10W, 120V60Hz or any equivalent | ||
| Power jack, selected based on wall power, lead format | ||
| Wire - 5 ft or as required |
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Author can be reached at:
contact@riverheadsystems.com
William Grill - 2009-20-3 16:08:01 EDT
























