Simple 6vdc #44 lamp flashing circuits?

[frenchy]

I collect old pinball machines and want to try modding one of my EM
games (relays, switches etc., not digital or solid state) so that some
of the #44 lamps can have blinking/flashing effects when they're lit.
Been playing this one particular game for 20 years and just want to
jazz it up a little : ) The lamps run on 6v AC but I at least know
how to convert that to DC with a bridge rectifier. So basically I
wish I had a simple as possible 6v DC #44 lamp flashing circuit
whereby I could tweak, via resistor/cap values etc., both the flashing
speed *and* the % of 'on' vs 'off' time during each blink.

Note, these games also often use #455 flasher bulbs behind the
backglasses but they are too randomish and way too low of an 'on' time
% to look good on the playing field. I thought about leds too but I
want to keep the original color and appearance of 44s when blinking.
Leds have that instant on/off that is harsher looking than 44s with
their filament heating and cooling.

You dudes 'n gals in this ng could no doubt draw out the circuit with
your eyes closed, but I am only expert at electromechanical workings
and repair, not studied up on SS electronics at all.
Thank you for any assistance or info folks!

 

[John Fields]

On Fri, 2 Dec 2011 12:14:57 -0800 (PST), frenchy <mf101723@msn.com>
wrote:

I collect old pinball machines and want to try modding one of my EM
games (relays, switches etc., not digital or solid state) so that some
of the #44 lamps can have blinking/flashing effects when they're lit.
Been playing this one particular game for 20 years and just want to
jazz it up a little : ) The lamps run on 6v AC but I at least know
how to convert that to DC with a bridge rectifier. So basically I
wish I had a simple as possible 6v DC #44 lamp flashing circuit
whereby I could tweak, via resistor/cap values etc., both the flashing
speed *and* the % of 'on' vs 'off' time during each blink.

Note, these games also often use #455 flasher bulbs behind the
backglasses but they are too randomish and way too low of an 'on' time
% to look good on the playing field. I thought about leds too but I
want to keep the original color and appearance of 44s when blinking.
Leds have that instant on/off that is harsher looking than 44s with
their filament heating and cooling.

You dudes 'n gals in this ng could no doubt draw out the circuit with
your eyes closed, but I am only expert at electromechanical workings
and repair, not studied up on SS electronics at all.
Thank you for any assistance or info folks!

---
What you want is fairly easy to do, and I'll be happy to help you, but
I need some more information.

When the #44s are turned on, what makes that happen, a relay?

--
JF

 

[JeffM]

frenchy wrote:

so that some of the #44 lamps can have blinking/flashing effects
[...]
The lamps run on 6v

....and draw 250mA, so the "easiest" solution (an LM555) is out

(without an additional driver transistor).

If the bulbs were paired
as the collector loads of a free-running multivibrator,
the 2 bulbs would alternate.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multivibrator#Astable_multivibrator

 

[Winston]

JeffM wrote:

frenchy wrote:
I collect old pinball machines and want to try modding one[...]
so that some of the #44 lamps can have blinking/flashing effects
[...]
The lamps run on 6v

...and draw 250mA, so the "easiest" solution (an LM555) is out
(without an additional driver transistor).

If the bulbs were paired
as the collector loads of a free-running multivibrator,
the 2 bulbs would alternate.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multivibrator#Astable_multivibrator

+1

http://www.reprise.com/host/circuits/transistor_flasher.asp

Replace the transistors shown in the left schematic
with 2N2222A parts.
http://www.fairchildsemi.com/ds/PN/PN2222A.pdf
Substitute your bulb for one of the the LEDs
shown and change the resistor value in the "bulb"
collector circuit from 470 ohms to 1 ohm, 1/4 W
to set brightness.

Leave the other collector circuit unchanged.

Vary the value of the '39K' and '10 uF' parts
to change duty cycle and flash rate.

Don't seal the circuit up in a tiny box.
Allow some air flow past the components.

--Winston

 

[Rich Grise]

frenchy wrote:

I collect old pinball machines and want to try modding one of my EM
games (relays, switches etc., not digital or solid state) so that some
of the #44 lamps can have blinking/flashing effects when they're lit.
Been playing this one particular game for 20 years and just want to
jazz it up a little : ) The lamps run on 6v AC but I at least know
how to convert that to DC with a bridge rectifier. So basically I
wish I had a simple as possible 6v DC #44 lamp flashing circuit
whereby I could tweak, via resistor/cap values etc., both the flashing
speed *and* the % of 'on' vs 'off' time during each blink.

I once had a job repairing pinball games of all kinds. One thing I

noted was that on the electronic ones, they used half-wave rectified
AC on all the lamps, and SCRs to control them. They just put DC on the
gate; when the gate voltage goes to zero, the SCR turns off at the
bottom of the half-cycle.

Of course, you'll still need some DC to run your multivibrator.

Have Fun!
Rich

 

[Jamie]

frenchy wrote:

I collect old pinball machines and want to try modding one of my EM
games (relays, switches etc., not digital or solid state) so that some
of the #44 lamps can have blinking/flashing effects when they're lit.
Been playing this one particular game for 20 years and just want to
jazz it up a little : ) The lamps run on 6v AC but I at least know
how to convert that to DC with a bridge rectifier. So basically I
wish I had a simple as possible 6v DC #44 lamp flashing circuit
whereby I could tweak, via resistor/cap values etc., both the flashing
speed *and* the % of 'on' vs 'off' time during each blink.

Note, these games also often use #455 flasher bulbs behind the
backglasses but they are too randomish and way too low of an 'on' time
% to look good on the playing field. I thought about leds too but I
want to keep the original color and appearance of 44s when blinking.
Leds have that instant on/off that is harsher looking than 44s with
their filament heating and cooling.

You dudes 'n gals in this ng could no doubt draw out the circuit with
your eyes closed, but I am only expert at electromechanical workings
and repair, not studied up on SS electronics at all.
Thank you for any assistance or info folks!
something like this ?

330uf
D2 R1 300 ohm
6 Volt AC || ___
+-------+-||-+-+-+>|+-+|___|+----+---------------+
| || | | |
/+\ | | +
( ) + 100u --- |
\-/ | --- +
| D1 - | <|
GND ^ | NPN |-
| === /|
GND GND +
|
|
.-.
R2 300 ohm | |
| |
'-'
|
|
,---.
#44lamp | X |
'---'
|
GND
(created by AACircuit v1.28.6 beta 04/19/05 www.tech-chat.de)

Adjust your flash rate via the 100u cap./

Jamie

 

[bw]

"Jamie" <jamie_ka1lpa_not_valid_after_ka1lpa_@charter.net> wrote in message
news6wCq.3200$_H.987@newsfe16.iad...

frenchy wrote:
I collect old pinball machines and want to try modding one of my EM
games (relays, switches etc., not digital or solid state) so that some
of the #44 lamps can have blinking/flashing effects when they're lit.
Been playing this one particular game for 20 years and just want to
jazz it up a little : ) The lamps run on 6v AC but I at least know
how to convert that to DC with a bridge rectifier. So basically I
wish I had a simple as possible 6v DC #44 lamp flashing circuit
whereby I could tweak, via resistor/cap values etc., both the flashing
speed *and* the % of 'on' vs 'off' time during each blink.
Adjust your flash rate via the 100u cap./

Jamie

Your transistor base is open. I think you are trying some kind of "delay on"
circuit with a one second period.
The OP wants some control so he needs to try something like
http://www.techlib.com/electronics/flasher.html

My first thought was just some automotive type thermal flasher in series. A
quick google shows that there are 6 volt 8 watt flashers. the OP could just
run 8 watts of his small lamps with each flasher.

 

[bw]

"frenchy" <mf101723@msn.com> wrote in message
news:77cad4cc-6125-4a14-b892-394ceb6b3aa0@h3g2000yqa.googlegroups.com...

You dudes 'n gals in this ng could no doubt draw out the circuit with
your eyes closed, but I am only expert at electromechanical workings
and repair, not studied up on SS electronics at all.
Thank you for any assistance or info folks!

Someone with electromechanical skill should have been able to do these;
1. Try a scrap microwave oven turntable motor to operate a cam or
microswitches.
2. Attach a mercury switch on a pivot with spring on the other end, then a
delay solenoid to pull and release the spring.
3. http://youtu.be/-vd8zLf5hjI
4. Use a themal flasher.
5. Purchase something like this
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Train-Tronics-Model-Railroad-RR-Crossing-Signal-Flasher-Circuit-Board-Model-501-/360413244242?pt=Model_RR_Trains&hash=item53ea4dab52

6. Etc

 

[bw]

"bw" <bwegher@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:jbeo1r$7t2$1@dont-email.me...

"Jamie" <jamie_ka1lpa_not_valid_after_ka1lpa_@charter.net> wrote in
message news6wCq.3200$_H.987@newsfe16.iad...
frenchy wrote:
I collect old pinball machines and want to try modding one of my EM
games (relays, switches etc., not digital or solid state) so that some
of the #44 lamps can have blinking/flashing effects when they're lit.
Been playing this one particular game for 20 years and just want to
jazz it up a little : ) The lamps run on 6v AC but I at least know
how to convert that to DC with a bridge rectifier. So basically I
wish I had a simple as possible 6v DC #44 lamp flashing circuit
whereby I could tweak, via resistor/cap values etc., both the flashing
speed *and* the % of 'on' vs 'off' time during each blink.
Adjust your flash rate via the 100u cap./

Jamie


Your transistor base is open. I think you are trying some kind of "delay
on" circuit with a one second period.
The OP wants some control so he needs to try something like
http://www.techlib.com/electronics/flasher.html

My first thought was just some automotive type thermal flasher in series.
A quick google shows that there are 6 volt 8 watt flashers. the OP could
just run 8 watts of his small lamps with each flasher.

I tested some delay circuits a couple of years ago that will do what the OP
wants, but I see what Jamie is doing now. Here is link with more info
http://www.cappels.org/dproj/simplest_LED_flasher/Simplest_LED_Flasher_Circuit.html

 

[Jasen Betts]

On 2011-12-02, frenchy <mf101723@msn.com> wrote:

I collect old pinball machines and want to try modding one of my EM
games (relays, switches etc., not digital or solid state) so that some
of the #44 lamps can have blinking/flashing effects when they're lit.
Been playing this one particular game for 20 years and just want to
jazz it up a little : ) The lamps run on 6v AC but I at least know
how to convert that to DC with a bridge rectifier. So basically I
wish I had a simple as possible 6v DC #44 lamp flashing circuit
whereby I could tweak, via resistor/cap values etc., both the flashing
speed *and* the % of 'on' vs 'off' time during each blink.

Note, these games also often use #455 flasher bulbs behind the
backglasses but they are too randomish and way too low of an 'on' time
% to look good on the playing field. I thought about leds too but I
want to keep the original color and appearance of 44s when blinking.
Leds have that instant on/off that is harsher looking than 44s with
their filament heating and cooling.

how about a flasher bulb in series with a relay coil?

--
⚂⚃ 100% natural

--- Posted via news://freenews.netfront.net/ - Complaints to news@netfront.net ---

 

[Jamie]

bw wrote:

"bw" <bwegher@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:jbeo1r$7t2$1@dont-email.me...

"Jamie" <jamie_ka1lpa_not_valid_after_ka1lpa_@charter.net> wrote in
message news6wCq.3200$_H.987@newsfe16.iad...

frenchy wrote:

I collect old pinball machines and want to try modding one of my EM
games (relays, switches etc., not digital or solid state) so that some
of the #44 lamps can have blinking/flashing effects when they're lit.
Been playing this one particular game for 20 years and just want to
jazz it up a little : ) The lamps run on 6v AC but I at least know
how to convert that to DC with a bridge rectifier. So basically I
wish I had a simple as possible 6v DC #44 lamp flashing circuit
whereby I could tweak, via resistor/cap values etc., both the flashing
speed *and* the % of 'on' vs 'off' time during each blink.

Adjust your flash rate via the 100u cap./

Jamie


Your transistor base is open. I think you are trying some kind of "delay
on" circuit with a one second period.
The OP wants some control so he needs to try something like
http://www.techlib.com/electronics/flasher.html

My first thought was just some automotive type thermal flasher in series.
A quick google shows that there are 6 volt 8 watt flashers. the OP could
just run 8 watts of his small lamps with each flasher.


I tested some delay circuits a couple of years ago that will do what the OP
wants, but I see what Jamie is doing now. Here is link with more info
http://www.cappels.org/dproj/simplest_LED_flasher/Simplest_LED_Flasher_Circuit.html


You like that

You'll also notice how I jacked up the voltage to make it work!

Jamie

 

[JeffM]

Jamie wrote:

330uf
D2 R1 300 ohm
6 Volt AC || ___
+-------+-||-+-+-+>|+-+|___|+----+---------------+
| || | | |
/+\ | | +
( ) + 100u --- |
\-/ | --- +
| D1 - | <|
GND ^ | NPN |-
| === /|
GND GND +
|
|
.-.
R2 300 ohm | |
| |
'-'
|
|
,---.
#44lamp | X |
'---'
|
GND

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voltage_doubler#Greinacher_circuit

It appears that the relatively low value of the
emitter-base reverse-breakdown voltage is being employed.
Without an explanation, someone not familiar with that phenomenon
will be scratching his head.

 

[Jamie]

JeffM wrote:

Jamie wrote:

330uf
D2 R1 300 ohm
6 Volt AC || ___
+-------+-||-+-+-+>|+-+|___|+----+---------------+
| || | | |
/+\ | | +
( ) + 100u --- |
\-/ | --- +
| D1 - | <|
GND ^ | NPN |-
| === /|
GND GND +
|
|
.-.
R2 300 ohm | |
| |
'-'
|
|
,---.
#44lamp | X |
'---'
|
GND


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voltage_doubler#Greinacher_circuit


It appears that the relatively low value of the
emitter-base reverse-breakdown voltage is being employed.
Without an explanation, someone not familiar with that phenomenon
will be scratching his head.
Its a side effect found years ago. I discovered it while performing

repairs on a circuit that had lost its base connection. At that time I
thought I found something new, but to later find that it was already a
known phenomena.. What a let down that was

http://www.cappels.org/dproj/simplest_LED_flasher/Simplest_LED_Flasher_Circuit.html

Jamie

 

[petrus bitbyter]

"frenchy" <mf101723@msn.com> schreef in bericht
news:77cad4cc-6125-4a14-b892-394ceb6b3aa0@h3g2000yqa.googlegroups.com...

I collect old pinball machines and want to try modding one of my EM
games (relays, switches etc., not digital or solid state) so that some
of the #44 lamps can have blinking/flashing effects when they're lit.
Been playing this one particular game for 20 years and just want to
jazz it up a little : ) The lamps run on 6v AC but I at least know
how to convert that to DC with a bridge rectifier. So basically I
wish I had a simple as possible 6v DC #44 lamp flashing circuit
whereby I could tweak, via resistor/cap values etc., both the flashing
speed *and* the % of 'on' vs 'off' time during each blink.

Note, these games also often use #455 flasher bulbs behind the
backglasses but they are too randomish and way too low of an 'on' time
% to look good on the playing field. I thought about leds too but I
want to keep the original color and appearance of 44s when blinking.
Leds have that instant on/off that is harsher looking than 44s with
their filament heating and cooling.

You dudes 'n gals in this ng could no doubt draw out the circuit with
your eyes closed, but I am only expert at electromechanical workings
and repair, not studied up on SS electronics at all.
Thank you for any assistance or info folks!

Well, to achieve the blinking you want to see you need what's called a
astable multivibrator. These circuits can be made using discretes, timers
like a 555 or even a smal micro.

To power the electronics you need a reasonable smoothed DC power supply.
Except for the bridge rectifier you mentioned already, you'll need a
smoothing capacitor. Its value mainly depends on the load. The multivibrator
electronics require very little current but if you want te drive the bulb as
well you'll need about 300mA.

Driving the bulb requires a medium power transistor, a thyristor or a triac
depending on the way you want to drive the bulb.

The most simple way - for you - maybe a piece of electronics that can be
connected between the wires and the bulb. But that'l only work well if the
bulb is powered directly from the 6Vac source. If it's part of another
circuit as well, in series with other bulbs for instance or parallel to a
relay, you'l have to take that into account.

Besides what's the rough estimation of the on- and off times you want to
achieve?

petrus bitbyter

 

[ehsjr]

Jamie wrote:

frenchy wrote:

I collect old pinball machines and want to try modding one of my EM
games (relays, switches etc., not digital or solid state) so that some
of the #44 lamps can have blinking/flashing effects when they're lit.
Been playing this one particular game for 20 years and just want to
jazz it up a little : ) The lamps run on 6v AC but I at least know
how to convert that to DC with a bridge rectifier. So basically I
wish I had a simple as possible 6v DC #44 lamp flashing circuit
whereby I could tweak, via resistor/cap values etc., both the flashing
speed *and* the % of 'on' vs 'off' time during each blink.

Note, these games also often use #455 flasher bulbs behind the
backglasses but they are too randomish and way too low of an 'on' time
% to look good on the playing field. I thought about leds too but I
want to keep the original color and appearance of 44s when blinking.
Leds have that instant on/off that is harsher looking than 44s with
their filament heating and cooling.

You dudes 'n gals in this ng could no doubt draw out the circuit with
your eyes closed, but I am only expert at electromechanical workings
and repair, not studied up on SS electronics at all.
Thank you for any assistance or info folks!

something like this ?






330uf
D2 R1 300 ohm
6 Volt AC || ___
+-------+-||-+-+-+>|+-+|___|+----+---------------+
| || | | |
/+\ | | +
( ) + 100u --- |
\-/ | --- +
| D1 - | <|
GND ^ | NPN |-
| === /|
GND GND +
|
|
.-.
R2 300 ohm | |
| |
'-'
|
|
,---.
#44lamp | X |
'---'
|
GND
(created by AACircuit v1.28.6 beta 04/19/05 www.tech-chat.de)

Adjust your flash rate via the 100u cap./

Jamie

That won't work with just any old NPN.
Ed