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Gadget Freak Elves' Workshop Edition
By Design News Staff -- Design News, December 7, 2006
Contents:
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Holidazzle Lights Flasher Circuit Add some real flash to your holidays this year. This circuit allows you to create exciting flash patterns and sequences for the many light strings we know you’ll be planning to put up this year. Get Build Instructions | Post a Comment |
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Simple tester checks Christmas-tree lights Why is it that you always test 48 bulbs before you find the bad one in a 50-light string? This simple circuit allows you to divide and conquer, greatly reducing the time it takes to find the bad bulb. Get Schematic |
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Flame Flicker Effect
Reproduce that warm glow this winter with this electronic flame flicker device that can be customized to achieve the realistic effect of a flicker candle, oil lamp, or campfire. Your local fire department will be buying your presents. Get Build Instructions | Post a Comment |
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Automatic Tree Watering System
Sleep peacefully this holiday season knowing that your tree won’t go up in flames like so much kindling. This electronic watering system includes a 1-gal reservoir and dc-powered pump assembly to ensure your tree stays moist and fresh. Get Build Instructions | Post a Comment |
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Blinking LED Holiday Stickpin
Be the center of attention at your next holiday party with this nifty holiday stickpin that features a low-voltage blinking LED. No lampshades required for assembly. Get Build Instructions | Post a Comment |
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Simple scheme saves string-light situation
As you enter the holiday season with strings of ac-line-powered lights hanging everywhere, do you ever wonder how bulb vendors overcame the frustrating problem of having an entire string go dark when just one of the series-wired bulbs failed? Full Story |
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Nonfailing light-bulb-string story causes readers to think The preceding article on how series-wired Christmas lights self-heal prompted some interesting reader responses suggesting alternative ways that a failing bulb does not cause an entire string of bulbs to fail. Apparently, some light strings use another mechanism, and we have some hands-on evidence to confirm this fact. This approach involves no software, no microprocessors, no logic gates, no nanosecond timing --just some passive light bulbs and clever materials engineering. Full Story (Don't miss reader Ed Stevens' explanation of how early streetlights, which used a similar series connection, relied on cigarette papers to provide insulation.) |
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