Twin Sonic LED 1/10th Scale RC Lightbar

Here is my second 10th scale LED "Twin Sonic" lightbar in amber. It has a PIC16F18426 micro-controller sequencing 20 LEDs. There are 8 LEDs per "rotator" and 4 LEDs make up the "mirrors." This is supposed to mimic the old Federal Signal Twin Sonic lightbar that had chain-driven sealed-beam rotators that could be timed to flash with a couple of patterns, one of which is the synchronized pattern that I have here. I am planning to make lenses for this and the red/blue California spec one and install them on 10th scale RC truck and/or cars. The PIC is running code that uses pulse-width modulation (PWM) to fade each LED, which makes the rotators appear smooth and look more realistic. This was as close as I could get it to the original speed and flashes per minute. Those old Twin Sonic lightbars had a low flash rate, which was around 80 FPM for each rotator. I think with the code I'm running, it is right at 79. I have to film it in a dark room as it washes out in normal lighting.

[@justgrumpy]

Love the effect. I have a completely different application I'd love to use this effect for.

[@CarrotDugTooDeep]

I don't. I only made these prototype PCBs and lights. I never got around to finishing the housings or the domes. Maybe one day I'll get around d to it.

[@JonathanStracener]

Are you still making these?

[@CarrotDugTooDeep]

I haven't messed with it, because I ran out of room in my shop. I was hoping the have a new shop built and then make the domes too, but the cost of building supplies keeps that from happening. Maybe one day.

[@JonathanStracener]

@@CarrotDugTooDeep well, I hate to hear that. Super cool and realistic! Great job, either way!

[@CarrotDugTooDeep]

@@JonathanStracener Thank you. I played around with PWM to make them fade to give it a more realistic rotation appearance. It all started with a 555 timer and a 4017 decade counter, which was cool, but jittery at slow speeds. Then I started using PIC micro-controllers. I suck at writing code, so that was another thing that did not give me too much heartache by letting it sit on the back burner. I'll get back to it eventually. I am anxious to make the domes and lenses.

[@JonathanStracener]

@@CarrotDugTooDeep well, let me know and I’ll buy one. I own a full scale TwinSonic and I’d buy an rc car just for this!

[@ibrahymk24]

Hello, do you have a Dietz Lighthouse for sale 211/711

[@409headbanger]

How to I contact you?