This is my first time here, so i apologize when i'm doing something stupid!
I would like to build a digital clock but instead of 4 led displays i would like to build 4 lighbulb displays. Is it possible to convert a LED clock circuit that it can handle the lightbulbs?
Everything is welcome, i'm pretty new at these things.
Regular lightbulbs of 230v 5 watt. I was thinking of 2 bulbs per segment. But if it's possible for the sides 3. And than 4 digits.
Thanks for the fast reply!
I'm thinking opto-triacs, one per segment; so 28 optos total. I suppose you could reduce that to 7 optos by multiplexing the digits, but 5W filament lamps might not last long if rapidly/repeatedly switched in that mode.
I'm thinking opto-triacs, one per segment; so 28 optos total. I suppose you could reduce that to 7 optos by multiplexing the digits, but 5W filament lamps might not last long if rapidly/repeatedly switched in that mode.
Commercial displays that use incandescant light bulbs keep a lower current passing through the bulbs when they are not lit. This makes the bulbs last longer because frequently turning them on when the filaments are cold causes stress to the filaments. The current when off is just enough to cause the filaments to glow a dim orange.
You could build all the control electronics on stripboard (Veroboard) or a printed circuit board (pcb). Quite a big task if you have limited electronics experience. It isn't simply a matter of plugging lamps into the clock .
Have you made pcb boards before? Do you already have the LED clock circuit? Or are you able to program a microcontroller to do the control functions?