This is in the early stages, but I am working on a chaser sequence of leds to put in my mirrors to use as turn signals. Problem is, the turn signal is an intermittent signal, and I need a constant to trigger the sequencer. Is there a constant on for the turn signals or do I need to do something else, maybe a timed relay? Any ideas are appreciated!

 

I can't answer your question, but if you get it working, I want one too! I was thinking about the same thing!

 

I had another thought....there is made for late model mustangs a sequential turn signal kit for the rear turn signals to do just that (like on the late 60's models) where the lights come on sequentially....could you modify that kit to work with the F150's turn signal leds?

 

I've seen those, and was wondering how they do it. I could wire up a chaser and just hope the rate of the sequence is fast enough to finish in the duration of one flash of the turn signal. I think that's what they do with their kit. I was looking at buying something like the link below and hacking it to do what I want.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Led-Chaser-Seque...QQcmdZViewItem

 

Simplest solution - just pull a constant 12v source into each mirror.

The turn signal now becomes just the trigger - the constant 12 v source feeds the circuit - and thus you can set the duration for whatever you like. Use a one-shot IC to trigger off the rising edge of the turn signal and LM3914 IC's for the LED drivers.

 

that's what I figured I would have to do, just not sure what type of IC to use to work off of the turn signal as a trigger, maybe a X second timer?

 

I think the flasher probably gets a constant 12v on the input, then outputs intermittantly to the signal light. Any way you could bypass the actual flasher? Just an idea.

 

From what I've read positive comes from the battery, to the flasher, then into the turn signal switch, and it sends the pulsed signal out to the selected side left or right. So, the only constant 12v is before the flasher, and unswitched as far as which side of the vehicle it is going to....

 

Use a 555 timer, configured as a one-shot monostable:

Here's a link: http://www.doctronics.co.uk/555.htm

I love those things - extremely versatile and robust

 

Fireman,
Let me know if you get it working. Heck, I'd love to do that to my truck. If you get it working and can create some duplicatable directions, you could market it as I've not seen anyone selling this and I think it's way cool!
J