Sequential Taillights : 7 Steps

This instructable shows how to code and wire a sequence of LED's similar to the emergency flashers on a 1969 Mercury Cougar. Sequential taillights were featured on several cars in the 1960's and early 70's and were brought to the Ford Mustang for the first time in 2010. The 1969 Cougar had the first solid state transistorized sequencer in Ford's history and was used through the early 70's.

I own a 1969 Mercury Cougar Convertible and when I was restoring it the first thing I purchased was the controller for the sequential taillights. After working on the car all night I would put the flashers on, watch the taillights flash and dream about finally being able to drive it!

Step 1: Sequential Lights on Arduino

The lights will sequence continually while the button is being held down or they will go through one sequence if you press the button and release

Step 2: Needed Components

This build can be completed by a beginner

The components needed for this build are as follows:

12 jumper wires

6 330 Ohm resistors

6 LED's (I used 4 red 2 yellow but you can use any color LED's)

1 pushbutton

1 10k Ohm resistor

1 breadboard

1 Arduino Uno

The only tools you'll need will be a flathead screwdriver when removing the pushbutton from the breadboard

Step 3: Installing the Pushbutton

One thing to note about the pushbutton installation is when putting it on a breadboard place it over the valley so removing the button is done easily with a flathead screwdriver. Installing it on the breadboard without the valley can make it more difficult to remove and possibly lead to damaging the button.

Step 4: Wiring the Arduino

Place jumper wires in pins 3-9. These wires will be used for the 6 LED's and 1 switch.

Place jumper wires in the 5V power pin and the GRD pin for ground. Attach them to the positive and negative columns of the breadboard. Use jumper wires to connect the bottom +/- rails of the breadboard to the top rails.

Step 5: Wiring the LED's

The short leg of the LED should be placed in the negative rail at the top of the breadboard. The positive side should be placed in line with the negative one.

The 330 ohm resistors should be placed inline over the valley of the breadboard.

the wire from the pin on the arduino board should be placed in line with the 330ohm resistor.

The sequence of wiring for the lights (from left to write) should be

Pin 8 Pin 7 Pin 6, Pin 3 Pin 4 Pin 5.

Pin 9 should be wired to the switch.

The 10k Ohm resistor should have one leg placed in the top positive rail of the breadboard and inline with the right side of the button. Attach a jumper wire from the top negative rail to the left side of the button.