Navigation Lights

Standard Navigation Lights circuit drives LEDs directly from the PIC. This limits maximum current to about 20mA per output. Outputs include 2 asynchronous strobes, a Landing Light, and 3 permanent Lights. Three servo positions are detected, selecting either all outputs ON, all but Landing ON, or all OFF (use channel 5 to control. Mix in the throttle channel to turn on the Landing Light at low throttle!).

LEDs should have series resistors in their leads (in addition to the on-board 100 Ohm resistors) to set the desired current. Depending on LED requirements, it may be possible run two or more LEDs in series or parallel on the same cable.

PIC12F629/75 can be programmed in system (especially useful for SMD version). Supply power through the servo connector (+5V, GND, and Vpp to signal input), and Clock/Data through the LED outputs. Keep wiring short!

Source code (PIC12C508/9 or 12F630/75) updated.gif

Eagle PCB layout new.gif

Nav Lights 1 Nav Lights 2 Beaver Lights

Navlights.gif

High Voltage Navigation Lights circuit drives LEDs through external transistors. You can use a separate LED supply voltage (eg. 9V dry cell or 3S Lipo). With high voltage you can drive several LEDs in series, eg. 3 x RED/YELLOW or GREEN, 2 x BLUE or WHITE, depending on how much voltage each LED consumes. RED, YELLOW and GREEN LEDs typically use 1.7~2.2V, BLUE and WHITE LEDs use 3.5~4.2V each.

LED current is determined by three factors:-

  1. Resistor in series with the LED(s)
  2. Voltage dropped by the LED(s)
  3. Supply voltage.
For example, if you are using a 9V battery with 1 RED and 1 GREEN LED in series, and you want the LEDs to draw 20mA, the required resistance is:-

(9V - 1.7V - 2.2V) / 20mA = 255 Ohms

Source code (PIC12F630/75) new.gif

HEX file (PIC12F675) new.gif

I designed this circuit for use with a gas Helicopter. It obtains high current output using discrete power FETs. The servo input controls 2 Strobes and 3 fixed outputs. There are also 2 continuous (non-switched) Strobes. When a receiver battery is used the LEDs can be very bright. If using a BEC, please verify that it can handle the extra current wihout overheating!

Lights.gif

Lights_s.jpg
Lights_b.jpg

Source code for Helicopter Navigation Lights (PIC12C508/9 or 12F630/75)

[home] [Projects]