Introduction: Airplane Nav Lights Using 555 Timer IC

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About: Hello there, I'm Abdullah Khalid! I make tutorials guiding you on how to make electronic circuits, DIY Crafts, and RC vehicles.

In this project, we are going to make a very simple RC Airplane Nav Lights Circuit using 555 timer IC, to control 5mm LEDs. The ICs are used to switch the LEDs on and off to create a strobe light effect like Airplane Navigation lights. These can be used in Model Airplanes and give them a very stunning look.


The components used for this project are very cheap and easily available.

Supplies

For this project, You will need

  • 2x 555 timer IC
  • 2x Resistors (1 MΩ)
  • Green LED
  • White LED
  • Red LED (optional, can be used in place of white or green LED)
  • Capacitors (350nF and 100nF)
  • Bread Board
  • Jumper Wires
  • 12V Power Supply or Battery


Step 1: The Circuit Diagram

Here is the circuit diagram of the project. You will need this to do all the connections.

Step 2: Insert IC Into Breadboard

Take a breadboard and insert the 555 timer IC as shown.

Step 3: Making Connections

Using jumper wires, do wiring according to the circuit diagram.

Step 4: Insert Resistor

Insert the 1 megaohm resistor between the pins 2 and 3 of the IC, as shown in the circuit diagram.

Step 5: Insert Capacitor

Insert one of the capacitor between pins 2 and 1(GND) of the IC.

Step 6: Insert 2nd IC

Now take another 555 IC and make the same circuit alongside the previous one. These two ICs will then be connected via jumper wires to make a strobe light effect.

Step 7: Insert LEDs

Now, insert the two LEDs between the Pins 3 of both of the ICs. We just need to use the PIN 3 of both ICs to connect two LEDs in opposite polarity. This enables only one LED to be ON at a time and thus creates a switching effect.

Step 8: The Power Supply

Here I am using a 5V power supply for the circuit, but you can also use a battery to power it. NO problem at all.

Step 9: Give Power

Now supply power to the circuit. The LEDs should light up.

Step 10: Lights Are Ready

The circuit is ready. Enjoy the lights! Next steps? Install the LEDs in a Model Airplane or a Radio Control Plane to give them a visually appealing look.