I am new to this forum and this is my first post or question, I would not bother you but I am striking out elsewhere on the web. I did search this site too without success, however the circuit I want is a very common and old circuit I think there’s one here I just can’t find it.
After some informative and appriciated replies I have decided to use transistors only... the 555's are out. So I still need 1 good schematic for this. The ones on the web are energy wasters. These binkys will be left on until the battery dies. My father in law made blinkys for his 5 children in the 60's and all 5 tell me they were never turned off (no switch) and lasted as long as they can remember... I know, you're thinking the same thing I am, "that's impossible". I think he was secretly changing the batteries because he had to use incadescent bulbs and they eat juice! So if you folks don't mind can we have another go at it.
I want to build the young ones a “BLINKY” box. I am having difficulty finding a “Good” circuit schematic on line. I believe the correct name is a multivibrator circuit. I actually would like 1 circuit diagrams using transistors. I want to use 2 LEDS and have the LEDS flash back and forth. I also want to vary the alternating flash rate with pots. The blinky box will be powered by 9 VDC battery and mounted in a small box the children can place next to their beds.
The problem with many of the circuits on line is they are battery eaters. They work alright for a week or 2. Most of them Place resisters across battery terminals (even going thru transistors) this will allow the battery to last only a week or 2. Transistorized blinkys can last an incredibly long time. I built one with a solder type pc board and 555 IC timer, next time I want to use solderless breadboards to verify it works the way I want it to. This is because the flash rate was erratic at best, one side was slow and bright and the other was fast and dim. I want the light to blink symmetrically.
I would greatly appreciate someone providing me a circuit diagram or a hotlink to one as I described, in advance, Thank You.
Tom