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strobe circuit with Prop-1

Started by PeteyBird, March 30, 2012, 01:39:57 PM

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PeteyBird

I am looking for a circuit diagram that allows me to control a 1A LED. I would like to strobe it with a Prop-1. I have the program just need a lite help with the hardware. John at Trans World you thought a circuit you put together for a train light might work if you have that available I'd like to give it a try.

Peter

JonnyMac

I've attached a circuit that I used to drive a car headlight with the Prop-1 -- on this train:



You can pick up the parts at RadioShack.  The diagram actually shows two versions: the top one connects to the V+ and GND terminals of the Prop-1 for using the same supply that's running the Prop-1.  The bottom diagram shows how to connect to an external power supply (DC only).
Jon McPhalen
EFX-TEK Hollywood Office

PeteyBird

Thank you I will let you know how it turns out for me.

JonnyMac

Keep in mind that the circuit I drew has a generic output -- you may need to add a current limiter for your LED.  In my case I just connected the 12V car lamp to the terminal block. 
Jon McPhalen
EFX-TEK Hollywood Office

PeteyBird

This worked great, after of course i spent  a hour tiring to figure out what i did wrong with such a simple circuit, note to self its PXW not PX that is OK i wont make that mistake twice. i was playing around with PWM on this circuit based on some posts I have read. Can any one point me in the direction of some basic Prop-1 PWM info? I have some potential applications. I under stand the concept, just not the code.

JonnyMac

Click on the Prop-1 forum link (above) and then enter "PWM" in the search box -- you'll find lots of threads with PWM examples.  The important thing to understand about the Prop-1 and Prop-2 is that PWM cannot be maintained at an intermediate level after the command.  This means you can use it to dim up or down, but when you leave the command the output has to be full off or full on.
Jon McPhalen
EFX-TEK Hollywood Office