Two questions about lighting models

[NCC1966]

Hey All!

I have a couple big sized kits that I would like to light up with LEDs. I am a newby in electronics so even the most basic thing may sound not obvious for me. My first project will be a 1:650 TOS Enterprise vintage kit.

I have read the excellent article written by Clyde Jones at Starship Modeller where he shows up how to make a pulsing circuit out of a 4060 chip, one resistor and one capacitor. Nonetheless he failed to mention what type of the capacitor (0.01 uF) should be used, if ceramic, polyester, or if it doesn't care. Someone could advice please?

The other question is if there is any DIY open source schematics to make that rotating effect within the domed front tip of the TOS Enterprise nacelles.



Thanks!

[Moongrim]

The type of capacitor is irrelevant. Just so long as it is matched to voltage you're going to use.
Too high a voltage- and you'll need to replace it (which is annoying as all get down when you've already sealed the model.
https://www.learningaboutelectronics.com ... citor-mean

"Take note that a capacitor's voltage rating is not the voltage that the capacitor will charge up to, but only the maximum amount of voltage that a capacitor should be exposed to and can store safely."

As for the blinker- that took me about 20 minutes of frustrating searches to come up with this: https://www.electroschematics.com/search ... 9j157893j5

More than likely you'll have to modify an already existing circuit.

[NCC1966]

Thank you, Moongrim! The information about capacitor was very enlightening!



About the rotating lights in the dome in the front of nacelles it was my mistake. Seems that it is not a circuit that does the effect. Instead, the guy installed a small motor from vibracall and made the stuff rotate int the nacelle.

[Moongrim]

In actuality there is a circuit that can do the rotating effect.
https://www.dlmparts.com/images/Assembly_ManualE.pdf

On page 7 it is described. It also includes a schematic further down.

Sorry it took me so long to find.

[NCC1966]

In actuality there is a circuit that can do the rotating effect.
https://www.dlmparts.com/images/Assembly_ManualE.pdf

On page 7 it is described. It also includes a schematic further down.

Sorry it took me so long to find.

Wow, that's awesome!

[Julien]

Totally agreed with what Moongrim said.

But, I must say, you're going for a complicated project for your first time. You may want to start with something simpler...

For the "rotating effect", a lot of people now go for the arduino and write the code for the effect, rather than building a complex circuit with a lot of components that might fail...

[Moongrim]

Arduino? I may have to check into that sometime!

[Julien]

Arduino? I may have to check into that sometime!

https://www.arduino.cc/


It takes a little time to learn how to code it properly, but it gives you more control than a complex circuit board...

[Moongrim]

Arduino (Genuino) site bookmarked for future use and learning.

Many thanks.

[NCC1966]

As far as I know arduino depends on a program to work. Or am I wrong? If so, your ship lighting would have to be attached to a computer via USB. Doesn't sound as a good deal. Also it's expensive for such a simple project - you need the board, the program, the controller, the motors and a specific font...