Blinking Courier Bag Light

This simple LED light can replace the reflector hang tags that everyone loses from their timbuk 2 courier bag.

It uses a 555 timer to alternately flash each set of 9 LEDs, for 18 blinking LEDs of goodness.

Step 1 Parts

Parts:

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4 AA Battery holder
Switch
PNP Transistor (3906)
NPN Transistor (2222)
555 Timer
150k resistor
4.7k resistor
1uF Capacitor
160 Capacitor
220 Capacitor
Breadboard
19 LEDs
Wire
2 x 3./4" Quick relase
12" of webbing
2 x molex KK connectors

Tools:

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Soldering Iron
thread and needle
pliers
wire snips

Comments

[ensoarts]

Compuserve is gone forever anyone know a good place to find a 555 timer circuit for flashing LEDs  i am looking to build some turn signals

[joe]

The internet archive to the rescue! 
http://web.archive.org/web/20080308211020/http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/Bill_Bowden/555.htm

[ensoarts]

Awesome thanks.  4.7 cycles per second seems a bit fast, it this circuit is for more for "Notice Me!" and I'd have to do some reconfiguring to make it into a usable turn signal.

But still a fun project thanks !

[lavert31]

hey, which led did you used? i mean the mcd rating.thanks, Etay

[rfmonaco]

160 and 220 are resistors...not capacitors.

[mikeybhang]

My guess is this wouldn't go over real big at airport security. Beautiful, though.

[dandoughty]

What would happen if it rained while you had this powered on?

[joe]

Hello there Mr Penquin - My experience has been that there is no effect. The circuit board is kept inside the bag, most of the bike messenger bags are waterproof. Let me know if you make it, this one I use to commute quite a bit and have been real happy with how bright it is. -Joe