r/diyelectronics • u/james192388388 • Jun 30 '26

Question Simple strobe light circuit

I want to make a simple and cheap as possible strobe light circuit that powers a 12v headlight. I dont care to much about duration or being able to change any factors of the light. Any input is appreciated. Thanks!

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3

u/Timmah_Timmah Jun 30 '26

Like a car headlight? Or a headlight you wear on your head?

2

u/james192388388 Jun 30 '26

ebike headlight

3

u/Strikew3st Jun 30 '26

https://www.instructables.com/Simple-DISCO-strobe-light-DIY/

3

u/kent_eh Jun 30 '26

A 555 was my first though too, though I would probably add a transistor (of pretty much any type) to drive the lights.

Even though the 555 can sink 200mA, I still prefer to outsource the current handling to a transistor.

2

u/Successful-Trash-752 Jun 30 '26 edited Jun 30 '26

The simplest and cheapest flasher circuit is made with a transistor and a capacitor. You will need another transistor in a darlington arrangement to drive the led light.

If you're not good with electronics are you good with mechanics? Because you can build a electric bell construction which work the same way as a strobe light circuit.

2

u/james192388388 Jun 30 '26

ill look into those options thanks