On Friday 29 November 2024 07:35:28 pm wn4isx via groups.io wrote:
We've had several requests over the last few years for LED flashers for model train enthusiasts. One problem with most LED flashers is the go from full off to full on whereas old style caboose, water tower, and crossing gate lights were incandescent and ramped up and down.
If you look at brake lights on cars in traffic it is easy to see this effect, the LED brake lights come on instantly and the incandescent ramp up when turned on and down when turned off.
I have no idea what degree of realism model train types want or can achieve.
I remember with my model trains as a child I was unhappy with the 'acceleration curve,' you went from standstill to ~20MPH. And yes I know there are better controllers today.
There is a short MOV you can download to see if the effect is what you want.
[I stumbled on this by accident and can offer no advice.]
ff you want to see a bunch of nifty model railroad electronics look up Rob Paisley. I stubled across his pages some time ago, and enjoyed browsing through them.
For flashing LEDs on a layout I'd just go with a simple astable, four resistors, two caps, two transistors and you're all set. It should be possible to make things ramp, I'd guess. Maybe by using relatively large capacitors?
--
Member of the toughest, meanest, deadliest, most unrelenting -- and
ablest -- form of life in this section of space, ?a critter that can
be killed but can't be tamed. ?--Robert A. Heinlein, "The Puppet Masters"
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Information is more dangerous than cannon to a society ruled by lies. --James
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