How to connect 10 lights or LED's in sequence having all lights on when the switch reaches 10?
I want to construct a panel with a 10-position rotary switch that lights a vertical column of lights or LED's. At position 1 the bottom light is on, at position 2 both lights 1 and 2 are on. At position 8, lights 1 through 8 are all on until at position 10 all 10 light are on. The bottom lights will be green... then middle lights yellow, and finally red lights at the top. I was going to use LED's but for 10 it seems I may need 24v supply? If I use 6-volt lamps, maybe I can get then to stay on with a 6-volt lantern battery or 9v battery ? Can I simply use a rotary switch and blocking diodes to keep the next light from coming on too soon? This is such a simple idea but I have not found a simple solution yet - any help will be very much appreciated.
Discussions
6 years ago
Will this work ? I have done no calculations on battery size for 10 lamps. If it is beter to use LED's than lamps, or what size diodes they need to be. Assume I can find a 10 position rotary type switch.
Answer 6 years ago
That will work but those switches are not cheap. You'll spend $20 or more on just the switch.
Answer 6 years ago
I found a rotary 12 position single pole for $ 3.89 at Frys. But I abandoned this idea as it was not displaying the main idea I was looking for.
Thanks for all the feedback !
6 years ago
9 volts might work
Answer 6 years ago
And you can replace the 555 with a simple manual push button, resistor and small ceramic capacitor !
6 years ago
If you use LEDs they will be wired in parallel with the power source so they will only need the voltage of a single LED. They will just draw more current which will be well within what a battery can offer. To avoid crazy wiring and whatnot it may be best to use a micro controller and a pair of buttons. One button increases the number of lights being used while the other decreases the number.
Answer 6 years ago
I agree with mpilchfamily; that problem is begging for a Micro controler.
If you REALLY want to, here is a 12 position dial keep in mind 1 month+ before you will see it at your door. I would really encourage you to Punch "Arduino" into the instructable search. If you can learn to use a micro controller, Massive windows begin to open for you !