Introduction: Flashing Module for LEDs and Other Electronics!
Today i wanted to make a flash module that turns the output off and on, repeatedly. This can be used to make an LED blink on and off, or any other electronics.
Lets get into it!
Supplies
This exact project is PCB based, and will therefore have links to the exact components used in this project. If any of the linked components are unavaiable or you want an exact eqviliant, please contact me or leave a comment on this post.
I have left the BOM list bellow.
In the BOM list bellow, you will find all the information you need to replace a component.
Step 1: "Datasheet" for the Module
In total, there are 10 pin headers on this module.
The 6-pin header, which is found on the left side of the PCB, is the most important header.
The two separate 2-pin headers found on the left-side is just for more induvidual customizability and to make the PCB more rigid.
You can choose yourself if you want to connect these pins to either GND ( - ), VCC ( + ), or just leave the pins not connected to anything at all (NC).
These pins are there for an alternative power connection so that you don't need to connect the power to the main header (6-pin header). (Altough, the traces connected to the 2-pin headers are quite small and will not be as good and it may not be as good as using the main header.
Please note that if any of the 2-pin headers are going to be used, please solder the jumper pads so it matches the function you want.
The middle pad is either soldered to the right ( VCC ), to the left ( GND ), or no connections at all ( NC ).
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Now, let me explain each pin of the main header.
(Arranged from the top, aka the square pad, to the bottom.)
Pin 1.
(square pin) This pin is the VCC Input Pin. Please check the voltage rating for the 555 Timer IC and the diode and such, to avoid supplying the module with a voltage higher than it can handle, resulting in damaging the module forever. The most normal supply-voltage of this module is 5v-12v DC.
Pin 2.
This pin is the GND pin, or the negative (-). This GND pin and the VCC pin is nessecary for the circuit to work. Connect this pin to the GND (-) pin of any power-supply or battery.
Pin 3.
This pin is the Enable pin. Simply connect this pin to any power source (1-12v normally), and the output will be enabled. Supplying 0v (when the power to this pin is turned off) to this pin will result in the IC not getting any power, therefore turning the output off. This will result in minimal power usage in its now 'off' state.
Pin 4.
This pin is the Capacitor-1 pin. This pin should be connected to a singular leg of an external capacitor of any value.
The value on the capacitor is what chooses amount of time the output will stay on for and stay off for.
The second leg of the capacitor should be connected to Pin 5.
Pin 5.
This pin is the Capacitor-2 pin. This pin should be connected to the other leg of the same, previous mentioned capacitor.
Pin 6.
This pin is the Output pin. This is where the output signal goes. Here you can connect whatever you may need to flash on and off. It can be a LED, A relay, an octocoupler, a buzzer, a transistor, basically anything you can imagine !
The output voltage should in theory be the same as the input voltage.
Step 2: How to Activate/Disable the Inbuilt LEDs
In this module I added some inbuilt leds to tell us everything we need.
These LEDs indicate when power is connected, when the module is enabled, and it shows the output.
To activate these LEDs you need to just solder each induvidual jumper pad, which lies under the IC, together.
NOTE! Do not solder all of the pads toghether, only solder each pair induvidually!
The first jumper, aka 'U4', is the one controlling if the OUTPUT led is activated or not.
The second jumper, aka 'U3', is the one controlling if the ENABLE led is activated or not.
The third jumper, aka 'U2', is the one controlling if the POWER led is activated or not.
To disable the leds you need to un-solder the solder pad. (That is if you allready have soldered them, if not; you dont need to worry!)
Step 3: Ordering the PCB
Now, you want to order some PCBs of this module, right?
There are multiple of companies that you can order a PCB from.
Some of the most popular and user friendly are** :
- JLCPCB
- PCBWay
- Proto-Electronics
**Not ranked after previous claims
I am going to show you how to use JLCPCB for this module, since i have been using their free PCB designer (Not sponsored :-) ) to design this module.
- First, type in the URL bellow in any online-search engine or click the link bellow to be sent to their ordering page. https://cart.jlcpcb.com/quote
- Then, simply add the unpacked gerber-file from this project into the "Add gerber file" button.
- Then, copy the settings found in the provided images. Select the color you want to be on the PCB yourself.
- You can choose if you want them to assemble the PCB for you, altough this might cost a little more money, this will save you from the time taken to solder each induvidual component to the board. If you want to solder this yourself you can skip this button and order the components induvidually.
- Check off the timeframe you want the PCBs to be delivered in (Pro tip: The shorter the timeperiod, the more expensive!).
- Save to cart, and add anything youd like to the order.
- Then proceed to checkout.
They should come fairly quickly.
If you have any problems or questions, press the blue chat buble in the bottom right corner of the site.
There you can chat with the support team over at JLCPCB.
You can also track the order, checkout your order history and more in the top right corner of the site.
Step 4: Goodluck!
If you have any questions at all, don't be afraid to ask me in the comment section of this post, and i will make sure to reach out to you as soon as possible :-)
