What's a quick/cheap way for me to wire up a blinking LED?

[DirtyDigz 1,812]

I have an idea for a Halloween costume that's going to incorporate a single blinking LED.

 

What's a quick/cheap way for me to wire up a single LED so that it blinks rapidly (say, 2-10Hz (2 - 10 times per second))?

 

I'm reasonably proficient with soldering and I know basic electronics (I know how to read a resistor rating and how to orient a polarized capacitor) but it's been a long time since I've built anything electronic and I don't know where to source parts anymore.

 

I'll just need a single white LED, but would like it to be as bright as reasonably possible.  Will need it to be about a two feet away from the power source and would prefer thin wires running from it to power.  Also would like the power source to be small and light (ideally something like a big watch battery, but I could also handle a couple of AA batteries or a CR123).  Would need the power supply to last about 4 hours.

 

I'm thinking about getting one of those cheap LED flashlights that has a strobe mode and ripping it up and extending the LED out on some wires, but was wondering if there is a better way to do it.

[ryan_j 0]

A 555 timer and a couple of other parts will do the trick.

 

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-make-a-fast-blinking-LED-bike-light/

 

Radio Shack might even have the parts, but I usually order online from Mouser or Digi-Key. 

 

The 555 is a very common and versatile component. I've made everything from flashing lights to a radio transmitter with it. 

[SmartAss 11]

There are LEDs that have a blinking circuit in them already...

 

http://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/component-leds/5mm-blinking-white-led-20-degree-viewing-angle-1500-mcd/349/

[DirtyDigz 1,812]

A 555 timer and a couple of other parts will do the trick.

 

...

 

Thanks - bookmarking that for future reference.

[DirtyDigz 1,812]

There are LEDs that have a blinking circuit in them already...

 

http://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/component-leds/5mm-blinking-white-led-20-degree-viewing-angle-1500-mcd/349/

 

Ooh, I think that's the winner right there.  Dead simple - now to see if I can get it shipped for less than the cost of one of those cheap CREE flashlights with strobe mode...

[Scorpio64 5,157]

Five Below has all sorts of LED party crap that can be had dirt cheap.  You can also try some of the Dollar stores.

[Scorpio64 5,157]

A 555 timer and a couple of other parts will do the trick..........

 

The 555 is a very common and versatile component. I've made everything from flashing lights to a radio transmitter with it. 

 

The 555 is a great IC with a million and one uses.  Back when I worked at Bell Labs we used to make TV jammers with them.  We had TONS of fun at sports bars. 

[DirtyDigz 1,812]

I think I'm almost done here:

 

10 FLASHING LEDS 5mm PRE WIRED 6 VOLT WHITE 6V BLINK

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/390403450355

 

One of those plus 2 CR2032 batteries in series and I may be set.

[Purple Patrick 638]

So I gotta ask, what's he costume?

[DirtyDigz 1,812]

So I gotta ask, what's he costume?

 

It's NSFW.  I'll PM ya.

[ryan_j 0]

There are LEDs that have a blinking circuit in them already...

 

http://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/component-leds/5mm-blinking-white-led-20-degree-viewing-angle-1500-mcd/349/

 

Ah yes. I kinda figured those existed. 

[ogfarmer 138]

It's NSFW.  I'll PM ya.

wow, way to just put the tip in and pull out, now you got us all wondering what the rest is like.

 

 

pm for all?

[DirtyDigz 1,812]

wow, way to just put the tip in and pull out, now you got us all wondering what the rest is like.

 

 

pm for all?

 

OPSEC protocols now implemented.  I'll share with interested parties post-Halloween.

[ogfarmer 138]

gotcha man, just bustin balls

[mipafox 438]

Old school. Beat me to it on the 555 timer.

[Scorpio64 5,157]

Will there be LASER eyes too?

[DirtyDigz 1,812]

If anyone cares, some pics of the build/costume in action are here (Pretty NSFW - no nudity, but still won't go over well with the easily offended):

http://imgur.com/a/xBcAr