Introduction: STOP-LED
This is a STOP sign which lights up when you apply the BRAKE of your motor vehicle.
It is suitable for Cars, Scooters, and Motor Cycles.
I have made the Cirtuit Diagram for AC and DC type of vehicles.
You can buy one but making it is fun and cheap.
Step 1: STEP-1
As you can see here that this little device can be fitted to any vehicle having a BRAKE LIGHT working on a Contact ON spring switch.
The concept is not new but it is cheap when you make your own light, out of a kids pencil box.
Older VEHICLES work on "magneto" or AC Generators for which a AC circuit is required.
The modern VEHICLES work on a 12 volts Battery, for which a DC circuit is required.
Here I have shown the circuit diagram of both types of currents AC and DC.
Step 2: STEP-2
You need a KIDS PVC pencil box for construction of this Instructable.
Drill holes for the LED's on the cover of the pencil box.
Step 3: STEP-3
PART LIST
66 -RED LED's.
22- Resistors 1/4 watt of 120 Ohms.
1-PVC pencil box.
2- pairs of Nut & Bolt to fix the unit to the vehicie.
Some electrical wires, solder, and insulating tape.
This circuit is for vehicles having battary for its power source.
Follow the circuit and soldier the LED's as shown in the diagram.
THREE LED are joined in SERIES with a Resistor and then they are joined PARELLRL to the main line.
The leads of the main line is joined to the wires of the BRAKE light in parellel.
When the Brakes are applied the both the brake light and the STOP sign lights up.
Step 4: STEP-4
This circuit diagram is for old vehicles which runs on AC generators.
The circuit is same but a bridge rectifier and a voltage stabilizer are added to the circuit.
4 Diodes IN7004 makes the Bridge rectifire.
One AN 7812 IC is the stabilizer. It works from 0 to 18 volts.
Step 5: STEP-5
Check the LIGHT before connecting it to your vehicle to see if it is working properly.
Check for loose and dry solder.
THE COST OF THIS UNIT IF HAND MADE IS ABOUT 100 RUPEES IN INDIA, EQUAL TO 2$. USA.
Participated in the
Light Up Your Ride
23 Comments
13 years ago on Step 4
Really nice idea, but you need to check your local laws as far as lighted sings on your cars, and trucks. A simple "Third brake light" is fine and is aproved by the DOT (Department Of Transportation) in the USA but some states don't allow signs (including the reader board type) on the car. They state it's a distraction to other drivers. If your state dosn't have such a law then this is a great addition to your car.
http://fmvss108.tripod.com/statelaws.htm
Reply 13 years ago on Step 4
I am from INDIA.
Here anything goes.
If you see the the type of lights and stickers people put on their car's and bikes you will be astonished.
13 years ago on Introduction
What id do is simple cut out STOP with a Bandsaw in some acrylic (any colour) add some white sheet under the stop to make waterproof Put two Crt tubes or a load of leds in the box and add a acrylic box to waterproof it .
Simpler and looks nicer
14 years ago on Introduction
what if you put a white sticker, with stop cut out, over your additional brake light ?
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
Motorcycles and motorscooters do not have an additional brake light.
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
Yes There are two connections, one for BACK light and the other for BRAKE light.
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
mine does!
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
You can do it but the beauty of LED will not be there.
14 years ago on Introduction
I just take 3-4 hours a day, usually, and read Instructables. I merely wanted to inform any further viewers that the PDF link is working.
15 years ago on Introduction
Isn't 22 resistors just a waste of money?
Reply 15 years ago on Introduction
Better then blowing all your leds, and then redoing the project and buying all the stuff again.
Reply 15 years ago on Introduction
Hi thatmantheuser, No, in INDIA 200 resistors cost's you 1/2 a US Dollor.
15 years ago on Introduction
Great fun. Just what I need for the back of my Caravan. But your adobe print out link does not work.
Reply 15 years ago on Introduction
What link?
Reply 15 years ago on Introduction
Hello, All instructables are supposed to be printable by using the Adobe software button on your last page. I have tried a variety of methods but get a fault message, something about the email was not decoded properly. Not your fault, something I am not doing right maybe. Best wishes.
Reply 15 years ago on Introduction
Hi bigaw, Sorry for your problem, If nothing works then enlarge the page and print screen the page and past it in PHOTOSHOP with 300 resulation. I hope it works. Good Luck.
15 years ago on Introduction
In Turkey buses have to be equipped with these lights. I think that this will be more efficient tan the incandescent ones they use
Reply 15 years ago on Introduction
Hi Derinsleep, you are very correct.
15 years ago on Introduction
Nice. Do you have any pictures of it on your car?
Reply 15 years ago on Introduction
The red car and the scooter you see in the second photo are mine.