LED install(PIC'S)

[BobK]

I installed a blinking red LED today.

I know,I know...it's no substitute for a REAL alarm but this was real CHEAP and only took a couple hr's to do.

So here we go.

I started with a "blinking " red LED.It has the Blinking circiut and resistor built in so all you have to do is connect the "Anode" to a +12v source and the "Cathode" to ground.This was about $6.00 at my local electronics store(not Radio Shack)

Now that I had the flashing LED,the trick is to get it to flash while the truck is off and stop flashing when you turn the ign. on.

Well to accomplish this you simply use a common automotive relay.
I used a Single Pole Double Throw(SPDT) relay rated at 30amps.Way too much for my application but that's what I had on hand.Any amp rated relay will work though.
The actual draw that this circuit will use is in the mili-amps,not amps.

Here's the relay I used.Again about $5.00 at my local electronics shop.

So the next step was to decide where I wanted it mounted.
I did NOT want to drill into the face of the dash or the dash area between the front window and the dash pad,but that is where it would be MOST visable.

So I removed the drivers side air duct bezel and checked my clearances.Luckly things JUST fit.
I drilled a hole then mounted the LED retainer in the bezel.

I then slid the LED into the bezel and gave it a test.

Before installing the bezel back into the dash I "hot glued" the LED in place.

Now hooking up the LED with the relay was done exactly the same as you'd make the connections for ANY relay application.The ONLY difference is that I used the 87a terminal on the relay to connect to the LED.

The 87a terminal is "HOT" when the relay is not energized(relay not being triggered)
Normally the 87 terminal is used and becomes "HOT" when the relay is energized.

But in this application you want the operation of the relay to be opposite.

So this is how the relay is wired.

Here is the switched source I used for the 86 terminal.This terminal on the fuse box is only "HOT" when the ign. is on.
There is no power when the ign. is off or in the ACC. position.
I'm pointing to it with the tip of my circuit tester.

Then just find a constant 12v+ source and connect it to the 30 terminal.


Here it is back in the dash.

You really can't tell from the next few pic's but this LED is BRIGHT!
It blinks about once per second.

Anyhow,that's about it.

I now have a blinking red LED on my dash that will not protect my vehicle what-so-ever.
Thanks for listening

 

[83ZZ502_Jimmy]

Excellent write up! I may take that project on now.

Thanks!

John

 

[spearchucker]

I now have a blinking red LED on my dash that will not protect my vehicle what-so-ever.

Don't worry, I think Pokey will protect it.

 

[Greg72]

Don't feel bad, Bob.......now there's only about 30,000 people from this site that know it's a phony!!!!

Of course, someday when you DO install an alarm, you've already got a working LED in place.




On a serious note, I'm a bit concerned about mounting LEDs in the tops of doors or on dashtops where it almost becomes a "beacon" for theives.....signalling them from a distance that the vehicle HAS an alarm and perhaps something worth checking out!!! I usually mount LEDs somewhat lower in the dash area, so that they will see the flashing LEDs, only if they have already decided to check out your car (and are peeking through the windows).

Either way, of course a good thief (is there such a thing as "good"?) will get what he wants regardless....just another perspective to consider.






ps. OT -> My belated condolences on the passing of Julia Child. I know that you two had a special relationship....

 

[70jimmy]

Good pics and well written. Thanks. I have been pondering a few anti theft devices myself. Put loads of $$$$$ into a truck that takes a few seconds to steal. Gotta do something.

 

[BobK]

Greg,I'm still in mourning
I see your point too.
As I looked at it in the dark,and saw how bright it was,I thought the exact same thing..."it kinda draws attention".
Well I can always modify it.I'm already trying to figure out how to decrease the rate at which it blinks.

spearchucker,I figured the same thing

Thanks guys.

 

[spearchucker]

Well I can always modify it.I'm already trying to figure out how to decrease the rate at which it blinks.

What does the circuit look like? I'm thinking it's just a 555 timer with a cap and resistor. If it is then it'll be easy to change the blink rate. As for the brightness just put a small resistor (about 220 ohms) in series with the LED.

 

[BobK]

Thanks man.Brightness isn't an issue though.
The circuit is molded into the LED so don't know how it looks.