ok heres the deal..i got a project due in 10 days or so..i need to build a running headlight circuit on a 12" x 12" piece of wood....it has to have high beams, low beams, parking lights, turn signals(they have to blink), and tail lights and it has to hook up to a car battery..just wondering if anyone knew how to do it and could explain or if anyone knew of any websites or forums that had a diagram ..anyone help would be good..thanks

 

I'm not sure what level of electronics knowlege you are starting from, but go get some relays to operate all the lights, first and foremost.

The idea of a relay is that it operates two circuits. One is a low-current circuit for the switch, and this controls the other, higher current circuit going through the relay. The clicking noise you hear when your turn signal blinks, or your headlights come on automatically (if you have Daytime Running Lights) are the relays physically closing - they are not semiconductors, but electromagnetically operated switches.

Next, check out some electronics stores, ask them about timing circuits, like 1Hz or so. This should approximate the frequency of a turn signal pretty accurately, and then use your newfound relay knowlege along with your control switches.

If the brake lights have to light up brighter, specifically when a 'pedal' is pushed, put another set of brighter red lights in there, and hook those up to a contact dpst switch. Look around in the switches drawer at your local electronics store (here we have Radio Shack and Fry's) and see what looks right to you.

Most component electronics you can buy on the market these days run off 10 - 15 volts without any problem, so a car battery (while charging or not) is perfectly suited to the job, with no power regulation necessary. With higher power applications, look into power regulators like the LM317T.

That should be all you need. Good luck. Electronics can be a lot of fun with a little know-how and some good ideas.

 

thanks for the help..im awful at electronics..i got a friend helping me but i just have no idea..the teacher i have is one of the worst teachers ive ever had in my life..he just tells us what to read and gives us test and projects..doesnt go over nothing so its kinda hard learning when the teacher is lazy