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Home → Beginners → Start Electronics Now → Tut8 Dual LED Flasher

Tutorial 8: Dual LED Flasher

Created on: 2 August 2012

A two transistor circuit that flashes two LEDs on and off alternately. This tutorial shows beginners in electronics how to build the easy circuit on breadboard.

The video below shows what the circuit does:

Can't see the video? View on YouTube →

Prerequisites

Complete tutorial two - Transistor Timer before attempting this tutorial.

Components

In addition to an electronic breadboard, wire links, a 9V battery and a battery clip, you will need:

Qty Part Designator Notes Type
2 22k resistors (red - red - orange) R2, R3 1/4W, 5% or better Resistors
2 470 ohm resistors (yellow - violet - brown) R1, R4
2 100uF C1, C2 Electrolytic capacitors, 16V or more

Try using 47uF or 33uF capacitors to speed up the rate at which the LEDs flash		 Capacitor
2 KSP2222 or PN2222 Q1, Q2 NPN transistors

2N2222, BC107, BC108 or BC109 transistors can be used in the circuit, but have a different case to the KSP2222 / 2N2222		 Semiconductor
2 5mm red LED D1, D2 Or similar LED

Books that may interest you:

C Programming with Arduino Book Ultimate Arduino MEGA 2560 Hardware Manual Ultimage Arduino Uno Hardware Manual

The required parts are shown below:

Components for the dual LED flasher circuit
Two LED Flasher Circuit Components

Circuit Diagram

Dual LED flasher circuit diagram
Two LED Flasher Circuit Diagram

Building the Circuit

Insert the two transistors into the breadboard with the flat face pointing down as shown in the photo. Use wire links to connect the emitter of each transistor to the bottom rail. Get the two LEDs and the two 470 ohm resistors ready.

Step1: insert transistors and wire emitters
Step 1: Insert the Transistors and Wire Emitters

Connect one end of a 470 ohm resistor to the collector of each transistor. Connect the other end of the resistor to a tie point on the other side of the breadboard centre channel.

Connect an LED to each resistor as shown below. The anode of each LED is to be connected to the top rail of the breadboard.

Get the two 22k ohm resistors and two wire links ready.

Step2: connect LEDs and resistors to breadboard circuit
Step 2: Insert LEDs and 470Ω Resistors

Connect the two 22k resistors across the middle channel of the breadboard. Connect the top lead of each 22k resistor to the top rail of the breadboard using a wire link.

Get the two 100uF capacitors ready.

Step3: wire 22k resistors to breadboard top rail
Step 3: Insert the 22kΩ Resistors and Wire to Top Rail

Insert the capacitors with the positive lead of each capacitor on the collector of its corresponding transistor. Connect the negative lead of each capacitor to its corresponding 22k resistor.

Get two wire links ready.

Step4: connect the capacitors to the breadboard circuit
Step 4: Connect the Capacitors

Use wire links to connect the base (middle pin) of each transistor to the negative lead of each opposite capacitor.

Power up the circuit using a 9V battery.

Step5: connect the battery to the breadboard circuit
Step 5: Connect the Battery

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