Simple Fader

[jjac]

I am looking for a simple, easy way to build an automatic fader for the led's in my case. I want to give it that breathing effect. Does anyone know of a simple way to do this?

 

[HAVOC]

Breathing effect? You mean like a very slow pulse?

Like Bright..... Dark..... Bright...... Dark?

 

[jjac]

Yeah, but I want to be able to control the speed of the fade.

 

[turboFX55]

Here you go, this might be a little complex, pm me if you have questions. This circuit is similar to the "Fading Red Eyes" circuit used to fade a pair of red LEDs. In this version, the lamps are faded by varying the duty cycle so that higher power incandescent lamps can be used without much power loss. The switching waveform is generated by comparing two linear ramps of different frequencies. The higher frequency ramp waveform (about 75 Hz.) is produced from one section of the LM324 quad op-amp wired as a Schmitt trigger oscillator. The lower frequency ramp controls the fading rate and is generated from the upper two op-amps similar to the "fading eyes" circuit. The two ramp waveforms at pins 9 and 1 are compared by the 4th op-amp which generates a varying duty cycle rectangular waveform to drive the output transistor. A second transistor is used to invert the waveform so that one group of lamps will fade as the other group brightens. The 2N3053 will handle up to 500 milliamps so you could connect 12 strings of 4 LEDs each (48 LEDs) with a 220 ohm resistor in series with each group of 4 LEDs. This would total about 250 milliamps. Or you can use three 4 volt, 200 mA Xmas tree bulbs in series. For higher power 12 volt automobile lamps, the transistor will need to be replaced with a MOSFET that can handle several amps of current. See the drawing below the schematic for possible hookups.

This is the effect i think you want, and that this diagram will do!

You are going to want to use the led string, since this schematic can run so many leds you should not have a problem.

 

[jjac]

turboFX55,
Using that circuit will I be able to control the speed of the fade? Or will it be so fast that it actually looks like it is blinking?
Thanks for the help.
Jimmy

 

[turboFX55]

Fully controlable, you change the value of the 100k pot "variable resistor?

 

[jjac]

I will get the parts today and see if it works.
Thanks for the help.

 

[GrimReaper23]

LOL that confused the **** outta me, Nice Job FX

 

[jjac]

Come on its not that confusing! I actually came across that circuit sometime yesterday but I thought it was a fixed flash. I guess I don't read so well. Thanks again FX, I will let you guys know how it turns out.

 

[jjac]

Couple more questions, see pic-