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  • Author Author: tariq.ahmad
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DC to Daylight 10: Using Relays to Make a Vegas Style Sign

In the previous episode we looked at how to drive a relay from a lower power semiconductor device, using an NPN transistor as a buffer. In this episode we put our knowledge to the test, by using a 555 timer, a CD4017 decade counter and some transistors and relays to make a Las Vegas style blinking sign. We unfortunately hit a little snag due to the fact that lamps require significant current when turning on, ultimately leading to some quick troubleshooting. Let’s roll the dice and see if we can bring this sign to life.

  • You're 1800's commentary was appropriate. The relays clicking and incandescent bulbs flashing took me back to my 1800's which was the cusp of the 80's when I was in tech school.

    Honest Ed's Emporium in Toronto, Ontario was the place for apartment-dwelling college students to outfit rooms on a budget. It was a dollar store before dollar stores starting selling stuff for $1.25. The store signage was big and flashy, using 60watt bulbs, much like a Carnaval marque. As I stood and watched the lights flash I could hear a click as the lights went on and off.

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    Sneaking a peek around back of the sign, the lights were switched with a rotor from a distributor. It was so cool to watch this rotor spinning around and lights going on and off. I don't know who built it or if it was up to a code but it worked. It was switching a few hundred lights around the edge of the sign so I suspect there was some current.

    Your relay clicks and flashing lights took me back to a time much in the past. Cool project. What did it cost for the PCB sign board? I'm curious because of its size.