Flickering 12vdc Full size lightbulbs

[gadget-evilusions]

In the haunt we are opening this year, I will not be using any 110v through the haunt. I do however like the look of incandescent light bulbs in certain situations, so I found some standard size and base incandescent light bulbs that run on 12vdc. They are however 25watts each. What would be the easiest way of flickering up to 50w 12vdc? I don't necessarily need to be able to fade or hold a specific brightness, but in the future that wouldn't be bad. For right now I just need to be able to turn it on and off quickly to achieve a standard haunted house electricity is shorting out flicker.

[JackMan]

Should be easy enough to do with one or multiple relays wired to an EFX-TEK controller. Jon can help you with the code I'm sure.

[JonnyMac]

You could use a buffer transistor like a TIP120; it can handle 5A up to 60 volts.  I used it to control a car headlight in a friends Halloween display two years ago.

[JonnyMac]

Here's a circuit that will work with resistive (e.g., incandescent bulbs) and inductive (relays, etc.) loads.  V+ could come from an external supply so long as the ground from the external supply was also connected to the controller (GND terminal).

[gadget-evilusions]

JackMan, I hadn't though of going that simple, but your right that would work.

Jon, Thank you. I had forgotten about that post you made last year. Also thanks for the updated schematic. I know what I have to go make a dozen of now.

[JackMan]

I don't necessarily need to be able to fade or hold a specific brightness, but in the future that wouldn't be bad.

You should be able to easily get your dimming effect by using DPDT relays and resistors of varied values. Another option is using DPDT relays with multiple power supplies of lower voltages.