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Old Mar 7, 2010 | 07:54 PM
  #1  
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Dumb Electrical Question

Hello All!

I recently acquired a mint condition traffic stop light from an electrical company that was storing their trucks at my shop. It runs on 110v and uses standard base light bulbs. I really want to wire it up so the lamps flash randomly so i can hang it in my workshop. I forgot to ask the guys I got it from if this was possible before they packed up and left, and ive been searching online all day and have come up with nothing. Does anyone know of any regular base "blinking" bulbs that will just screw in the sockets and flash randomly on thier own. If not, how can i fabricate or who makes a timer or controller that can flash the lights randomly on their own? Or will i just have to wire it so they all come on at the same time. The fixture is just a 3 lamp one (red, yel, green). These things are a lot bigger up close than you would think! Its about 4 feet tall by a foot and a half wide! Any help is appreciated!

Thanks!
 
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Old Mar 7, 2010 | 08:41 PM
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flashers

There are flasher units that are placed into the socket - check with industrial suppliers such as McMaster Carr- they work well & are inexpensive.
 
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Old Mar 8, 2010 | 06:58 PM
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Originally Posted by flathead239
There are flasher units that are placed into the socket - check with industrial suppliers such as McMaster Carr- they work well & are inexpensive.

Thanks for the help!

Found "flasher buttons" that just drop in the socket at my local mom and pop hardware store. The date on the price sticker were from 1987! No wonder home depot and ace didn't know what the hell i was talking about!
 
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Old Mar 8, 2010 | 07:43 PM
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You could do a simple mechanical timer running relays to operate them sequentially- Just make sure it's out of sight of the road.
 
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Old Mar 8, 2010 | 08:07 PM
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Originally Posted by Ford_Six
You could do a simple mechanical timer running relays to operate them sequentially- Just make sure it's out of sight of the road.

I did think of that, but I couldn't find any plans on how to do it. I used to have a book of simple electric circuits for hobbyists but who knows where that is now. That would be ideal, but the flasher discs will be fine now. If i found plans and directions on what materials to use I might do that in the future. The man at the store told me to use different watt bulbs in each lamp so they would flash more randomly.
 
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Old Mar 9, 2010 | 06:48 AM
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For a relay/timer, you might look at Radio Shack. They used to carry all kinds of stuff like that.


Where are you going to put it???

If you want to put it in a bedroom, rec. room, etc., you might try using a truck brake drum and some black pipe and a flange (or two), and make a stand.

Hit the stand with some primer and some flat black paint, and paint the traffic light 'safety yellow' and you're all set.
 
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Old Mar 9, 2010 | 09:16 AM
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Pics! We need pics!
 
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Old Mar 9, 2010 | 09:39 AM
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Originally Posted by mercman86
I did think of that, but I couldn't find any plans on how to do it. I used to have a book of simple electric circuits for hobbyists but who knows where that is now. That would be ideal, but the flasher discs will be fine now. If i found plans and directions on what materials to use I might do that in the future. The man at the store told me to use different watt bulbs in each lamp so they would flash more randomly.
I will look in my shop I know that I have some timers there i will have to check to see if there is something that will work for you.
 
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Old Mar 9, 2010 | 09:44 AM
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Originally Posted by 00BlueOvalRanger

If you want to put it in a bedroom,
Never used a full sized traffic lamp as a bedroom prop before-
 
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Old Mar 9, 2010 | 12:14 PM
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Originally Posted by Ford_Six
Never used a full sized traffic lamp as a bedroom prop before-

The 'trick' is. . . NEVER let it go to RED!!!!!!!


Always a GREEN light, if used in the bedroom!!!!!!!





 
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Old Mar 9, 2010 | 02:47 PM
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Anyone for a group purchase?

Public Surplus: Auction #416550

 
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Old Mar 9, 2010 | 03:15 PM
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Originally Posted by megawatt00
I will look in my shop I know that I have some timers there i will have to check to see if there is something that will work for you.
That would be cool! Send me a pm if you find one. If you have 2 that would be great cause my buddy would like to get his lamp wired up too.

Thanks!

Ill post some pictures tomorrow, I dont have my camera at the shop with me today.
 
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